Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 Takes Effect Today With Tougher Penalties For Street Racing And ‘Tonto’ Syndicates

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 – The Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026, which introduces stringent legislative provisions to penalize illegal street racing, curb ‘tonto’ interference syndicates, and digitalize Road Transport Department (JPJ) services, officially came into force on Friday, October 16, 2026.

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) stated that the newly enacted legislation—comprising 42 amendment clauses—forms part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance highway safety, empower enforcement agencies, and modernize service delivery.

A key highlight of the legislative update is the introduction of Section 42A, which criminalizes illegal street racing and speed testing on public thoroughfares as a distinct, standalone offense.

“This provision enables enforcement action to be taken without having to wait for an accident, injury or loss of life to occur,” the ministry emphasized in an official statement.

Penalties for Illegal Racing, ‘Tonto’ Syndicates, and Compound Adjustments

The amended Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) establishes rigorous penalties across several critical enforcement categories:

• Illegal Street Racing (Section 42A): First-time offenders face fines ranging from RM2,000 to RM10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. For second or subsequent convictions, penalties escalate to fines between RM5,000 and RM20,000, up to five years’ imprisonment, or both.
• Interference By ‘Tonto’ Syndicates (Section 110B): The law establishes a dedicated provision targeting individuals who shadow enforcement vehicles, obstruct operations, or tip off illegal operators. Convictions carry fines between RM10,000 and RM50,000, jail terms ranging from one to five years, or both, with the offense classified as arrestable without a warrant.
• Registered Owner Accountability: Amendments tighten legal loopholes regarding camera-captured automated enforcement system (AES) violations, ensuring registered vehicle owners remain strictly accountable for infractions committed with their vehicles.
• Digitalization & Vehicle Standards: The legislation formalizes the legal validity of electronic driver’s licenses, digital records, and paperless accident reporting. It also reinforces safety frameworks governing electric vehicles (EVs), modified cars, replacement parts, and micromobility devices.
• Deferred Maximum Compound Cap: The maximum compound limit for compoundable traffic offenses will increase from RM300 to RM500 effective January 1, 2029, allowing road users a transitional period. MOT clarified that this adjustment does not mean all compounds will automatically scale to RM500, as rates will continue to depend on the severity of the specific offense.

The Transport Ministry stated that these amendments are designed to act as an effective deterrent against reckless behavior while streamlining public administrative services through technology.

–NMT