A VIDEO went viral recently after the Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued a summons to a driver for holding a phone while stopped at a red light.
The 46-second video sparked a heated online discussion, with many questioning if merely holding a phone at a traffic light, even if one is not making a call, is an actual offence.
Is it true that you can use your phone while you are stopped at a traffic light?
Verdict:
FALSE
Using a mobile phone while driving a car, whether stopped at a traffic light or during a traffic jam, is an offence under Malaysian laws.
Individuals who commit such an offence may be fined under Rule 17A of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
According to MyCheck Malaysia, JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said mobile phones may be used in certain circumstances with assistive devices.
This includes phone holders, Bluetooth or other hands-free devices.
Other than that, phones may not be used by motorists even if the vehicle is not moving, except when parked in a parking bay.
This is because using a mobile phone while driving or riding a motorcycle can cause a distraction and lead to unwanted incidents when road users should focus on arriving at their destination.
