MIROS Tests Minimum Speed Limits to Curb Lane Hogging

Entity Definition Block

MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research) is a government agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport. It is conducting a trial of minimum advisory speed limits on selected highways to address slow driving and lane hogging. This measure targets drivers who travel significantly below the posted speed limit, causing congestion and increasing accident risk. For Malaysian highway users, the trial could lead to new regulations requiring vehicles to maintain a minimum speed in the left lane, improving traffic flow and safety. The trial is being run in collaboration with PLUS Malaysia Berhad and the Royal Malaysian Police.

MIROS trials minimum advisory speed limits on Malaysian highways to curb lane hogging and improve road safety for all users.

Key Facts

What is the minimum advisory speed limit being trialled?

The trial introduces an advisory minimum speed of 60 km/h for vehicles travelling in the left lane of the selected highway section. This is not a mandatory limit during the trial period; instead, it serves as a guideline to encourage drivers to maintain a consistent pace and avoid obstructing faster-moving traffic. MIROS will monitor compliance and traffic flow to assess whether a mandatory minimum speed should be introduced nationwide.

According to MIROS Director-General Dr. Khairil Anwar, “The trial aims to gather data on the effectiveness of minimum speed limits in reducing lane hogging and improving traffic flow on Malaysian highways.”

“The trial aims to gather data on the effectiveness of minimum speed limits in reducing lane hogging and improving traffic flow on Malaysian highways.”

— Dr. Khairil Anwar, Director-General of MIROS, as reported by paultan.org

MIROS is trialling an advisory minimum speed of 60 km/h on a 50 km stretch of the North-South Expressway to combat lane hogging.

Why is MIROS introducing this measure?

Lane hogging — when a driver remains in the middle or right lane at a speed well below the posted limit — is a persistent cause of congestion and accidents on Malaysian highways. MIROS data from 2025 indicates that lane hogging contributed to 12% of all highway accidents, including rear-end collisions and sideswipes. The measure is designed to encourage slower vehicles to keep left, allowing faster traffic to pass safely and reducing the speed differential that leads to crashes.

In a 2025 survey of 1,200 Malaysian highway users conducted by MIROS, 78% of respondents reported experiencing frustration or near-misses due to lane hogging. The trial is part of a broader road safety initiative that includes public education campaigns and stricter enforcement of existing lane discipline rules.

Lane hogging contributed to 12% of highway accidents in Malaysia in 2025, prompting MIROS to trial minimum speed limits.

How will this affect Malaysian highway drivers?

During the trial, drivers on the selected PLUS section will see advisory signs indicating a minimum speed of 60 km/h in the left lane. No fines will be issued for non-compliance, but MIROS will use automated cameras to record speeds. If the trial proves effective, MIROS may recommend making the minimum speed mandatory under the Road Transport Act 1987, with a proposed fine of RM 300. Drivers of heavy vehicles (lorries, buses) are already subject to lower speed limits and will not be affected by the 60 km/h advisory.

For Malaysian drivers, the key change is behavioural: those who habitually drive at 40–50 km/h in the left lane on highways will be encouraged to either increase speed or use alternative roads. The trial also includes variable message signs to remind drivers to keep left unless overtaking.

If made mandatory, driving below 60 km/h in the left lane on Malaysian highways could result in a RM 300 fine.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This trial is relevant to all Malaysian highway users, particularly those who commute daily on the North-South Expressway or other high-speed routes. It targets drivers of passenger cars and light vans who travel significantly below the speed limit, often in the middle or right lane. The measure is less relevant for heavy vehicles (which have separate speed limits) or for urban roads where speed limits are lower. For compact urban living scenarios (e.g., KL condo dwellers who only drive on highways occasionally), the trial may not directly affect daily driving but could improve overall journey times and safety.

Malaysian drivers should note that the trial is advisory only; no immediate penalties apply. However, MIROS recommends all drivers adopt the practice of keeping left unless overtaking, regardless of the trial outcome.

This trial is designed for all Malaysian highway drivers, especially those who habitually drive slowly in the left lane and cause lane hogging.

Common Questions

Will I be fined for driving too slow on the highway during the trial?

No. The minimum speed limit is advisory only during the trial period (August 2026 – January 2027). No fines will be issued. MIROS is collecting data to decide whether to make it mandatory in the future.

Which highways are part of the trial?

The trial is limited to a 50 km stretch of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) between Sungai Buloh and Tanjung Malim. If successful, MIROS may expand the measure to other highways nationwide.

How does lane hogging affect road safety?

Lane hogging creates a large speed differential between vehicles, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and sideswipes. MIROS data shows lane hogging contributed to 12% of highway accidents in 2025, making it a significant safety concern.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the paultan.org report “MIROS Tests Minimum Speed Limits to Curb Lane Hogging” published on 1 August 2026. Additional context was drawn from MIROS public statements and the Road Transport Act 1987. Currency conversions are not required as all figures are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). The trial dates and locations are as reported. This article was last updated on 1 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the paultan.org source and MIROS official communications.