One of the cardinal rules of driving is that we should never use our handphones while behind the wheel. However, that are times where one simply flouts the law or takes a quick glance at navigation apps for directions.
A woman was recently handed a hefty fine after she was caught taking a glance at the Waze app on her phone while on the road, where she took to Facebook to warn others not to do the same.
M’sian woman gets RM1K fine for looking at Waze
In a Facebook post written by Candi Mieci on Tuesday (June 20), she wrote that she had just arrived in Penang and took a quick look at Waze for directions.
Immediately, I (got fined) RM1,000 and have to turn up in court too with no room for negotiation.
“The policeman also told me that the fine amount is no longer RM300 but RM1,000,” she wrote, adding that this was the “most expensive trip ever”.
She also added that although she had picked up the phone for a short while as she drove around a roundabout and placed it back on her lap, she was still penalised for it.
In the comment section, netizens were stunned by the fine amount and shared their thoughts on the matter.
One wrote that drivers could still be fined for using their phones while waiting at the traffic light.
Another suggested that Candi plead for a lower fine amount in court, where she would be allowed to pay only RM300 instead of RM1,000.
Another said that a police officer told her it was still okay to look at Waze or other apps as long as the phone is placed inside a phone holder and not in the driver’s hand.
Heftier fines starting 2020
In a move meant to curb the usage of mobile devices while driving, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) introduced stiffer penalties for those caught breaking the law on July 6, 2020.
According to a statement on their official Facebook page, first time offenders can be fined RM1,000 or jailed for up to three months under Rule 17A, LN166/59 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
If they’re caught the second time, they will face a RM2,000 fine and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
So don’t use your handphone while on the road as it will endanger other motorists and land you a heavy fine. You have been warned!
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