If you own a car in Singapore, you likely want to make the most of it, especially considering the high cost of car ownership. For many drivers, one of the simplest ways to enjoy the car a little more is to take a quick drive across the Causeway for a short break in Malaysia.
Johor Bahru remains a popular choice. It is close, relatively affordable and offers plenty of food, shopping, and leisure options that make the short trip worthwhile.
However, driving in Malaysia comes with its own set of rules. The road conditions, traffic habits and enforcement methods differ from what we are used to in Singapore. This means that if you accidentally (or intentionally) break a rule or exceed the speed limit, you might receive a traffic fine.
The good news is that checking and paying these fines is relatively straightforward once you understand how the system works. However, because there are several enforcement agencies, different online portals, and even occasional discount campaigns, the process can appear messy at first glance.
This guide breaks everything down simply and practically so that you know exactly how to check and pay traffic fines in Malaysia, even before you drive back across the border.
Read Also: 4 Financial Mistakes To Avoid When You Are In Malaysia
Who Issues Traffic Fines in Malaysia?
Traffic fines in Malaysia are issued by two main authorities, which work similarly to how Singapore divides responsibilities between the Traffic Police and the Land Transport Authority. Each agency looks after a different set of offences, which is why the type of fine you receive determines where you need to pay.
The Royal Malaysia Police, better known as PDRM, handles the more common on-road offences. These include speeding, running a red light or using your mobile phone while the car is moving. If you have ever get caught for speeding along the North–South Highway, chances are that the notice usually comes from PDRM.
The Road Transport Department, or JPJ, deals with administrative and vehicle-related issues. This covers matters such as driving without a valid licence, forgetting to renew your road tax, or not displaying your number plate properly. These are similar to the kind of compliance issues that would fall under LTA in Singapore.
Understanding which agency issued your fine saves you a lot of confusion later. PDRM and JPJ run completely separate systems, even though both now offer online payment options. Identifying the source of the fine helps you navigate the right platform and avoid missing any deadlines.
Read Also: Singapore The Fine City: 12 Offences You Might Not Realise You’re Committing
Checking For Outstanding Summonses
If you have been driving in Malaysia and are unsure whether you picked up a fine, the good news is that you can check everything online before your next trip across the border.
For PDRM fines, the easiest way is through the MyBayar Saman website or its companion mobile app. You will need to create an account using your passport number. Once you are logged in, you can search using your vehicle number to see if there are any outstanding summonses. The platform displays the complete list and allows for immediate payment, which is helpful if you want to settle everything before returning to Malaysia.
JPJ fines sit on a separate system. These can be checked through the MyJPJ app or the mySIKAP online portal. Both platforms enable foreign drivers to search using their passport number, ensuring that Singapore-registered vehicles are also covered. The layout can feel slightly more administrative, but it gets the job done.
If you prefer not to download multiple apps, MyEG offers a more consolidated option. It is an e-government portal that displays both PDRM and JPJ fines on a single site.
For drivers who frequently travel to Johor, the Johor eKhidmat portal is another convenient place to check for fines, especially if the offence occurred within the state. You enter your vehicle number and view any unpaid summonses before making payment online.
Paying Traffic Fines Online
Once you confirm that a fine has been issued, paying it online is usually the fastest and least stressful route.
PDRM fines can be settled directly on MyBayar Saman using either a credit card or an online bank transfer. The process is simple, and you receive a digital receipt almost immediately.
For JPJ fines, payment can be made through the MyJPJ app or the official website. Both guide you through the required steps, and you will receive a digital receipt once the transaction is completed. Keeping this receipt is useful in case you need to show proof of payment at a future checkpoint.
Do note that not every summons can be paid online. Some are labelled “non-compoundable”, which means the offence is serious enough that you must attend court. If your fine falls into this category, the summons will include instructions on the next steps and the date you need to appear in person.
For regular compoundable fines, clearing them online helps you avoid additional late fees, potential legal issues, or administrative problems later on, such as difficulties renewing your road tax or licence. It also gives peace of mind before you head back into Malaysia for your next weekend drive.
Discounts & Promotions
One of the more pleasant surprises in Malaysia’s traffic system is that the authorities sometimes roll out discount campaigns to encourage drivers to clear outstanding fines. These are not small discounts either. When timed well, they can shave off a significant amount from your total bill.
In 2025, for instance, the Transport Ministry introduced a campaign that allowed motorists to settle up to three JPJ summonses at a flat rate of RM150 each through the MyJPJ app. For anyone who had multiple tickets sitting around, this worked out to meaningful savings.
Right now, from now until the end of 2025, PDRM is offering discounts of up to 70 per cent for drivers who settle their fines before a new system kicks in on 1 January 2026. JPJ is also running its own campaign, offering a 50 per cent reduction on any unpaid summonses cleared before year end. If you travel to Malaysia often, these promotions can cut your costs dramatically.
If you receive a notice that you qualify for a discount, it is best not to wait until the last day to pay. These portals tend to become congested near the deadline, and payments may fail to go through. Clearing your fines early avoids unnecessary stress and ensures that you truly enjoy the savings that come with these discount windows.
Cross-Border Drivers: What Singaporeans Should Know
Singaporeans who drive their cars into Malaysia via Johor Bahru should be particularly careful. Your car’s registration details are logged upon entry, and enforcement systems now flag outstanding fines electronically.
Before you plan your next trip, do a check through the portals. It’s far less stressful than finding out at the border that you can’t leave until the fine is paid.
Read Also: Booking A Transport To Malaysia: What’s Legal, And What’s Not
Photo Credit: iStock/Kinsei-TGS
