It is common knowledge to not use your phones when driving, however, many people still do it regardless.
On 19 August, a teenager in Tawau was fined in court for using his phone while driving. The 18-year-old pleaded guilty in front of the Tawau High Court Deputy Registrar after the charge sheet was read by an interpreter.
According to the charge sheet, the teen who originates from Kunak was driving a Mitsubishi Triton past a roadblock at Kilometre 80 Jalan Tawau-Semporna at 6.27 pm on July 29, reported Bernama. It is said that he was talking on the phone at that moment.
He was fined RM500 under Rule 17A (1) of the Road Traffic Rules 1959. It has been said that if the fine was not paid, then the teen will need to be jailed for one month. His father who was accompanying him settled his fine.
The police took to their Facebook page on 8 August to announce that using your phone while driving a vehicle is considered a serious offence under Rule 17A, LN166/59 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, and violators of this act will be required to attend a court hearing.
“If convicted of wrongdoing, the offenders can be charged up to RM1,000 or face a prison sentence of up to three months,” read the statement. However, if you’re a second-time offender, you are required to pay a fine amounting to RM2,000 or face a jail sentence of up to six months.
Drivers who use their phones on the road for navigational purposes are advised to equip their cars with phone holders instead of constantly holding their mobile devices in their hands.
Also read: PDRM: You Will Have To Go To Court And Pay RM1,000 If Caught Using Your Phone While Driving
