PETALING JAYA, Jan 17 — If you buy a motorcycle for your son and he rides it without a licence, you will now have to pay a RM300 fine.
On top of that, your son will be fined RM300 for the offence — which obviously you have to pay.
If you are unable to pay the RM600, the police keeps the bike.
The new ruling which comes into force on February 2, will affect thousands of parents who buy small motorcycles for their children to go to school.
These students have been involved in minor accidents that go unreported and are also known to have joined Mat Rempit in illegal road races.
Police, determined to reduce the number of offences involving under aged motorcyclists, will swoop down on them in a major nationwide Ops Khas Motorsikal.
Federal deputy traffic chief ACP Mahamad Akhir Darus said although the number of under-aged offenders has reduced from 632 cases in 2013 to 428 cases in 2014, police want to ensure youths become law abiding citizens.
“The police want to raise awareness that youths should abide by the rules at a young age. So that when they are older they would not brazenly break the rules,” Mahamad said.
The crackdown on under aged motorcyclist will be part of a nationwide operations that will kick-start on February 2.
Mahamad said the operations will also look into foreigners who ride motorcycles without valid driving licences and road tax.
“If a foreigner is caught, this time we will not issue summons but will arrest the individual immediately.”
He said the individual will be taken to court if the arrest took place during office hours to avoid the offender from absconding without paying summons.
“If the offender is arrested at night then the case will be brought forward to the next day where we will charge the offender with a fine of RM300.”
The operation will also focus on modified motorcycles which could pose a danger to motorists and other road users.
He said illegal modifications on motorcycles have caused accidents.
“Changing engine block, modification to the carburettor and exhaust, or using slimmer tyres are not allowed.”
Mahamad said those who want to modify their motorcycles must obtain a written consent from the director-general of the Road Transport Department (RTD).
“Any vehicles modified not according to the stipulated rules can be seized by police as long as the checks are conducted by RTD enforcement officers,” he said.
“We are looking into reducing the number of motor vehicle accidents that may lead to a fatality and we hope the public will be able to cooperate.”
