In a recent incident in Jitra, Kedah, a driving instructor was reminded the hard way that road safety rules apply to everyone without exception.
On Monday (16 March), enforcement officers from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) were conducting routine monitoring along the North–South Expressway when they noticed something concerning.
They followed a driving school vehicle travelling at KM24.8 with a learner driver behind the wheel. At first glance, everything seemed normal, but officers observed that the instructor in the front passenger seat was not wearing a seatbelt.
The vehicle was subsequently stopped for inspection, and enforcement action was taken immediately. A summons was issued for violating road safety regulations, according to JPJ Kedah’s Facebook post yesterday evening (18 March).
Failure to buckle your seatbelt is an offence
In Malaysia, failing to wear a seatbelt is a traffic offence under regulations enforced by the JPJ. Offenders can be fined, typically up to RM300, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, repeated violations or a refusal to comply may lead to stricter penalties or court action.
The law applies not only to drivers but also to front and rear passengers, reinforcing the importance of shared responsibility. These penalties are meant to encourage compliance and reduce the risk of serious injury or death during accidents.
According to JPJ’s official website, any driver or passenger who does not wear a seatbelt (front or rear) will be fined. Upon a first conviction, the fine shall not exceed RM2,000, or a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months.
Driving instructors, who play a key role in shaping safe habits among new drivers, are expected to model proper behaviour at all times. When instructors neglect basic safety practices, it sends the wrong message to learners.
