STIFFER penalties for a range of traffic offences, including speeding, driving without a valid licence and illegal street racing are being proposed in amendments to the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke tabled the Bill for its first reading yesterday, adding that the second reading will be held during the current parliamentary session.
According to the draft amendments published on the official Parliament portal, the proposed legislation contains 41 changes to existing provisions under the Road Transport Act 1987.
Among the amendments is a proposal to revise Section 26 of the Act to require any person driving a motor vehicle to hold a valid driving licence, including individuals who are employed or otherwise permitted to drive a vehicle.
The amendment would also increase the minimum fine for driving without a valid licence from RM300 to RM500.
Another proposed change would amend Section 32 to impose stiffer penalties on motorists who continue driving despite having their licences suspended following disqualification.
Under the current law, offenders face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to RM5,000. The amendment would raise the punishment to imprisonment of up to three years or a fine ranging from RM3,000 to RM10,000.
The Bill also seeks to amend Section 40 to increase the minimum fine for speeding offences from RM300 to RM500.
On illegal racing, a new Section 42A will make racing or speed trials on public roads a specific offence under the Act.
