No More Exemption or Discount For Traffic Offenders Under AWAS Starting From Sept 1, Says Loke

Malaysians can no longer run from paying traffic summonses!

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced at the Automated Enforcement System (AES) command centre today (Sept 3), that traffic offenders will no longer be granted exemption or discount for compounds under the new Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) starting from Sept 1, as reported by FMT and The Sun.

Source: the star

AWAS is an integration of the Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras and Demerit Points System (Kejara).

According to Sinar Harian, Loke further said traffic offenders would be issued a RM300 compound to be paid within 60 days. They would also be penalised with demerit points.

The decision was made after the Road Transport Department (JPJ) revealed that the number of offenders had increased three-fold between Aug 17 and 31 when the AES scheme was suspended.

“From an average 5,000 summonses issued a day for AES offenders previously, the number of offenders caught on AES cameras jumped to 15,000 during the exemption period.”

He expressed his disappointment in those who had taken advantage of the exemption period to violate traffic regulations.

“The government is taking a zero-tolerance policy against reckless drivers. The point here for the government is to have tighter enforcement in order to stop reckless driving and educate other drivers. It’s not to punish them but to educate them,” he added. 

Loke stated that besides royal vehicles, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister’s vehicles, all other vehicles will not be exempted from paying traffic fines.

The demerit points are based on the following offences:

• Failure to obey the traffic light rules in which motor vehicles other than goods delivery vehicles will be imposed four points while buses will be imposed six points.
• Exceeding the speed limit between one kilometre per hour and 25 kilometres per hour will carry a penalty of two points for motor vehicles, while buses and goods delivery services will be charged four points.
• Exceeding the speed limit between 25 kilometres per hour and 40 kilometres per hour will carry a penalty of three points for motor vehicles, and five points for goods delivery vehicles and buses respectively.
• Exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 kilometres per hour above the speed limit will entail a penalty of four points for motor vehicles, and six points for goods delivery vehicles and buses respectively.

Drivers who reach their first 20 demerit points will be issued a warning. Those who reach the next 20 points will have their driving licenses blacklisted. Blacklisting licenses will prevent drivers from renewing their road tax, driving license or any business transaction with JPJ. Probation drivers, on the other hand, will have their licenses cancelled.

Source: the sun

However, demerit points can be reduced by 50% if drivers attend JPJ courses and do not incur any more summonses within one year.

Besides, Loke revealed that the government is currently studying how to implement a system to reward good behaviour drivers. As for now, they are looking into the suggestion from the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) to offer a discount for No Claim Discount (NCD).

“I will initiate an immediate discussion with PIAM. There are also suggestions to offer a deduction of demerit points,” he stated.

What are your opinions on this matter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Also read: M’sians Will Be Punished for These 19 New AWAS Offences Starting March 2018