Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 Takes Effect, Illegal Racing Is Now a Specific Offence
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The Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 came into force on 16 October 2026. A new Section 42A now makes street racing and speed testing a specific offence.
The Ministry of Transport says the Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 took effect on 16 October 2026. The amendment updates the Road Transport Act 1987 and introduces several new measures for road enforcement and JPJ service digitalisation.
The main change highlighted in the report is new Section 42A. It makes street racing and speed testing on public roads a specific offence, allowing enforcement action to be taken even before an accident, injury or death happens.
Under the new provision, those convicted for the first time can face a fine of RM2,000 to RM10,000, or jail of up to two years. For repeat convictions, the penalty rises to a RM5,000 to RM20,000 fine, or jail of up to five years.
The article also notes that the higher maximum compound amount, from RM300 to RM500, will only start on 1 January 2029. For road users, the key point is that illegal racing now has its own clear legal basis for action.
What it means for you: illegal street racing now has a specific offence under the law, so workshops and drivers should avoid any activity that can be seen as racing or speed testing on public roads.
Source: PanduLaju
