JPJ Reminds Stop Before the White Line at Traffic Lights

JPJ Reminds Motorists to Stop Before the White Line at Traffic Lights

JPJ (Road Transport Department Malaysia) has issued a formal reminder that crossing the white stop line at traffic lights is a traffic offence under Rule 35 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959. This rule applies to all motorists in Malaysia, including drivers of cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. The reminder aims to reduce intersection collisions and improve compliance at signalised junctions. The announcement was published on 17 July 2026 via the official JPJ social media channels and reported by paultan.org.

Key Facts

What Does the Law Say About Stopping Before the White Line?

Rule 35 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 requires every driver approaching a traffic light to stop the vehicle so that the front of the vehicle does not cross the white stop line when the light is red or amber. The white line is typically painted perpendicular to the lane, often accompanied by a solid white line across the road. Motorists must halt before this line, not on it or beyond it. The rule applies even if the intersection appears clear. Failure to comply constitutes a moving offence that can be compounded or prosecuted in court.

"We urge all road users to respect the white stop line. Stopping beyond it not only invites a summons but also endangers pedestrians and other motorists who have the right of way."

— Senior Enforcement Officer, JPJ Traffic Division, in a statement on 17 July 2026

Why Is JPJ Issuing This Reminder Now?

JPJ issued the reminder on 17 July 2026 following a 7% increase in summonses for white-line violations in 2025 compared to 2024, totalling 12,450 cases. The department noted that many motorists mistakenly believe that stopping slightly over the line is acceptable, especially during heavy traffic. JPJ's enforcement data also showed that 34% of intersection-related accidents in 2025 involved a vehicle that had crossed the stop line. The reminder is part of a broader road safety campaign targeting high-risk behaviours at junctions.

According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), intersections account for approximately 22% of all road accidents in Malaysia. JPJ's focus on the white line rule is intended to reduce these figures by reinforcing the importance of clear stopping positions for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

JPJ recorded 12,450 summonses for white-line violations in 2025, a 7% increase from 2024.

What Are the Penalties for Crossing the White Line?

The standard compound fine for crossing the white stop line at a traffic light is RM 300, payable within 14 days to avoid court action. If the offence is contested or the fine is not paid, the case may be brought to a magistrate's court, where the maximum penalty is RM 2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenders may face higher fines and demerit points under the JPJ demerit system (KEJARA). Motorists who cause an accident by crossing the line may also be liable for civil damages.

JPJ has clarified that the offence is recorded via fixed cameras at selected intersections and through manual enforcement by JPJ officers. In 2025, 68% of summonses were issued through automated enforcement cameras, while 32% were issued during physical patrols.

The standard compound fine for this offence is RM 300, with a maximum court penalty of RM 2,000 or six months' imprisonment.

How Does This Affect Malaysian Motorists in Urban Areas?

In dense urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, where traffic lights are closely spaced and pedestrian crossings are frequent, strict adherence to the white line is critical for safety and traffic flow. Many intersections in these cities have advanced stop lines for bicycles and motorcycles, and crossing the white line can block these designated zones. JPJ's reminder particularly targets motorcyclists, who accounted for 41% of white-line violations in 2025. The department advises riders to stop behind the line even when filtering to the front of the queue.

Malaysia's tropical climate also plays a role: heavy rain can reduce visibility of road markings. JPJ recommends that motorists ensure their windscreen wipers are functional and headlights are on during wet conditions to clearly see the white line. The department is also working with local councils to repaint faded lines at high-risk intersections.

Motorcyclists accounted for 41% of white-line violations in 2025, making them the highest-risk group.

Who Is This Reminder For in Malaysia?

This reminder applies to all licensed motorists in Malaysia, including private car drivers, motorcyclists, commercial vehicle operators, and foreign tourists driving in the country. It is especially relevant for new drivers who may not be fully aware of the strict enforcement of Rule 35. Driving schools in Malaysia are required to teach the white-line rule as part of the curriculum, but JPJ notes that many experienced drivers also violate it. The reminder is also directed at ride-hailing drivers (e.g., Grab, Maxim) who frequently stop beyond the line to pick up passengers near intersections.

For motorists living in landed properties with driveways, the rule is less frequently encountered, but for those in condominiums and apartments in city centres, daily exposure to signalised junctions makes compliance essential. JPJ advises all drivers to practice defensive stopping: slow down well before the intersection and stop with the front bumper aligned with the white line.

New drivers and ride-hailing operators are among the key target groups for this enforcement reminder.

Common Questions

Can I be summoned if my front tyre touches the white line but does not cross it?

Yes. JPJ enforcement considers any part of the vehicle crossing the white line as an offence. Even if only the front tyre touches the line, a summons may be issued. The rule requires the entire vehicle to stop before the line.

Does the white line rule apply when the traffic light is flashing amber?

Yes. A flashing amber light indicates caution, but the white line rule still applies. Motorists must stop before the line if it is safe to do so, and only proceed when the intersection is clear. Failure to stop can still result in a summons.

How can I check if I have been issued a summons for crossing the white line?

You can check via the JPJ e-Services portal (mySIKAP) or the MyJPJ mobile app. Summonses issued by automated cameras are typically uploaded within 48 hours. You can also pay the compound online through the same platforms.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the official JPJ reminder published on 17 July 2026, as reported by paultan.org. Additional data on summons statistics and accident rates were sourced from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) 2025 annual report. Currency conversions from USD to RM use the approximate exchange rate of 1 USD = 4.60 RM as of July 2026. All legal references are to the Road Traffic Rules 1959 (Malaysia). This article was last updated on 17 July 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the JPJ official website and paultan.org.