No. Lane splitting is not explicitly legal in Malaysia. The Road Transport Act 1987 and Road Traffic Rules 1959 do not authorize motorcyclists to maneuver between lanes, leaving riders vulnerable to liability in accidents. While enforcement varies, police may penalize lane splitting under reckless driving provisions (Section 41 of the Act). The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has flagged lane splitting as a high-risk behavior in its 2024 Motorcycle Safety Report, urging stricter adherence to lane discipline.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Malaysia
- Prohibition Under Section 41: The Road Transport Act 1987 criminalizes reckless or dangerous driving, which courts may interpret to include lane splitting. Penalties include fines up to RM1,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
- Lane Discipline Mandates: Rule 11 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 requires motorcyclists to occupy a single lane, with no provision for splitting. Deviations may be deemed traffic violations under local ordinances.
- Local Enforcement Variations: State traffic police (e.g., Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police) prioritize lane splitting enforcement during peak hours, citing accident data from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) 2025 reports.