Allow drivers caught using handphones to pay fines, urges MP

Allow drivers caught using handphones to pay fines, urges MP

RSN Rayer says many offenders may find it difficult to pay court fines and may end up in jail.

Those found guilty of using their phones while driving may be fined up to RM2,000 or jailed.
PETALING JAYA:
An opposition MP has urged police to revert to the practice of allowing offenders to pay compound fines for using handphones while driving instead of taking them to court.

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said a lot of time and resources could be saved if offenders were allowed to pay the fines at police stations.

“Enforcement must be strict. However, to order offenders to appear in court to settle their summonses is rather harsh and causes unnecessary hardship,” he told FMT.

Rayer, who is also a lawyer, said many might find it difficult under the present circumstances to pay the court fine and might end up in jail.

RSN Rayer

Previously, the maximum compound fine payable was RM300.

Rayer said this in response to police hauling offenders to court from July 6 for using mobile phones while driving. This offence is now non-compoundable under Rule 17A, LN166/59 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.

Those caught can be punished with a fine of up to RM2,000 or three to six months’ jail or both.

Police have identified bad driving attitude and fatigue as well as using phones while driving as the main causes of road accidents.

A study published by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research reveals that Malaysian drivers are inclined to use their mobile phones on the road, especially at traffic light stops and during traffic jams.

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