RTD can block licence renewals for unpaid summonses, says Loke

THE Road Transport Department (RTD) has the right to deny the renewal of driver’s licenses and road tax if there are unpaid summonses.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke clarified this in a parliamentary response to Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas).

He pointed out that a previous 2008 ruling from the Kuching High Court stated the RTD couldn't do this.

"However, in 2012, the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling after the government appealed," said Loke.

Ngeh had raised concerns that this policy contradicts the earlier court ruling.

Loke explained that under Section 119B of the Road Transport Act 1987, the RTD can block transactions if there are unresolved fines.

He also referred to Sections 17 and 29 of the same Act and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Act 1987, which give the RTD similar authority. – February 27, 2025