Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued a stark reminder to motorists: unpaid traffic summonses are no longer just a legal inconvenience. Those who continue to ignore them may soon find themselves unable to renew their driving licence or road tax, which in turn makes them ineligible for the BUDI95 petrol subsidy. Because the programme requires motorists to hold a valid licence, any form of blacklisting immediately cuts off access.

A Growing Backlog of Unsettled Fines

JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli revealed that the response to payment reminders has been extremely slow. Since early November, only about seven per cent of outstanding summonses have been settled. The department currently records 4.95 million unpaid summonses amounting to RM1.48 billion. Separately, police summonses nationwide have reached RM6.6 billion. The sheer volume reflects years of accumulated fines that many motorists have yet to address.

Discounts Offered, but Deadline Approaches Fast

Authorities have been offering significant discounts—up to 70 per cent—to encourage Malaysians to clear their outstanding fines. This amnesty period, however, ends on 31 December. Once the window closes, motorists who still refuse to settle their dues will face automatic blacklisting and court action. This directly prevents licence renewal and, as a result, blocks access to the BUDI95 subsidy.

Aedy urged motorists to act quickly by paying through the MyJPJ app, JPJ kiosks, or any JPJ branch office. He emphasized that neglecting these outstanding fines now will lead to much more serious consequences later, especially for those who rely on the fuel subsidy to manage living costs.

Police See Positive Response, but What Happens After the Deadline?

Federal police have reported stronger payment activity since the discount period began, suggesting that many motorists are taking the warnings seriously. Still, questions remain about what happens to those who miss the deadline. The Transport Ministry is expected to make the final decision on the enforcement measures once the grace period ends.

A New Summons Payment Structure Coming in 2026

Looking ahead, the government plans to introduce a new "pay fast, pay less" structure starting 1 January 2026. Under this model, motorists who pay within 15 days will receive a 50 per cent rebate, while those who settle within 30 days will get a 33 per cent reduction. After that, discounts disappear entirely, and motorists who allow fines to remain unpaid for more than 60 days will face blacklisting and possible court action. The goal is to promote faster settlement and prevent the massive backlog from repeating.