A VIDEO posted on Threads showing a driver refusing to move out of the right lane of a highway has sparked a heated debate online.
Many netizens argued that a driver does nothing wrong by staying in the right lane, as long as they keep to the speed limit.
Can you be fined for hogging the right lane even if you stick to the speed limit?
Verdict:
TRUE
Staying in the right lane without overtaking and holding up vehicles behind is an offence even if the driver keeps to the speed limit, and offenders can be fined or jailed, a check by MyCheck.my found.
Kuala Lumpur traffic investigation and enforcement chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said keeping to the speed limit does not give drivers an absolute right to remain in the right lane and block other vehicles.
He said the offences listed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) are also enforced by the police under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
"Driving at the maximum speed limit (for example 110km/h) but staying in the right lane when not overtaking and blocking other vehicles is known as lane hogging.
"Drivers need to use the appropriate lane according to road conditions and regulations. After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane when it is safe and follow the set speed limit," said ACP Mohd Zamzuri.
According to the Maju Expressway (MEX) traffic information page on Facebook, lane hoggers are drivers who drive slowly in the right lane meant for overtaking and refuse to give way to faster vehicles.
Under Rule 4 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959, a slow-moving vehicle must keep as close as possible to the left side of the road and must not obstruct faster vehicles, ACP Mohd Zamzuri explained.
Rule 6(2) of the same rules bars drivers from deliberately preventing another vehicle from overtaking, whether by speeding up or by other means.
Rule 16(1), meanwhile, prohibits drivers from controlling their vehicle in a way that causes unnecessary obstruction.
Offenders can be issued a compound at the set rate or charged in court, said ACP Mohd Zamzuri.
If convicted, the general penalty under Section 119(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 is a fine of up to RM2,000 or up to six months in jail.
Section 48(1) of the same Act provides for a fine of between RM1,000 and RM5,000, up to a year in jail or both for a vehicle stopped in a way that causes danger, obstruction or inconvenience to other road users.
"Its elements are more or less the same as Rule 16(1), which involves obstruction, but the penalty under Section 48 is heavier," said ACP Mohd Zamzuri.
JPJ's list of enforcement offences includes blocking a vehicle from overtaking, with a compound of RM150 if paid within 15 days, RM200 within 16 to 30 days and RM300 within 31 to 60 days.
Some netizens suggested that drivers stuck behind a lane hogger should simply overtake on the left.
That would only swap one offence for another, as overtaking on the left also appears on JPJ's list with the same compound rates.
"Overtaking in the left lane is dangerous and against traffic laws. Drivers who commit the offence can be fined up to RM300," said JPJ.
The department has also warned that the right lane is meant for overtaking and keeping traffic flowing smoothly.
"Driving too slowly in the right lane can disrupt traffic flow, increase the risk of aggressive driving and potentially cause accidents," said JPJ.
Motorists who spot lane hoggers can lodge a complaint through the e-Aduan@JPJ feature in the MyJPJ app, which covers offences including overtaking and blocking other vehicles from overtaking.
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