Motorists who continue driving despite having their driving licences suspended or revoked by the courts could face up to three years’ imprisonment under the proposed Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the amendment to Section 32 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) is aimed at strengthening existing penalties to improve compliance with the law and reduce road accidents.
Under the proposed changes, the maximum jail term will be increased from one year to three years, while offenders may also be fined between RM3,000 and RM10,000.
Hasbi explained that disqualification refers to individuals who are prohibited from driving because their licence has been suspended, revoked, or they have been barred by the court from holding or obtaining a driving licence.
He said this while tabling the Bill for its second reading in the Dewan Negara on Tuesday.
The Bill also introduces stricter registration requirements for electric vehicles (EVs) through amendments to Section 10 of the Act, recognising that EVs do not have conventional engine numbers like internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Instead, EVs will be required to display a motor vehicle serial number and a chassis number that are clearly visible and have not been tampered with.
In addition, amendments to Section 17 will empower the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director to refuse the issuance of a vehicle licence if identification details, such as the chassis number or EV serial number, are damaged, unclear, or suspected to have been altered.
The government said the move is intended to curb fraud and prevent the registration of cloned vehicles.
