If stopped for offences such as speeding, running a red light, or driving without wearing a seatbelt, while holding a mobile phone, or in a bus lane, the police will issue you with a ticket which you will have to sign, and a compound (fine), usually RM300. You can pay the fine at any main police station that has a Traffic Police Division before the expiry date shown on the ticket. In KL this is at Jalan Tun H S Lee (03 2072 9044). It is illegal to offer the policeman money (a bribe) to settle the matter on the spot, although anecdotal evidence suggests this is possible. If you do decide to make an offer and the policeman warns you not to, stop there as you must be warned before being charged with offering a bribe – if convicted the penalty is a heavy fine or even a prison sentence.

Tinted windows are permitted, but very dark windows are illegal. Use a reputable installer if you’re getting tinted film on your car to ensure it complies with Malaysian law.

More serious offences carry heavier fines, penalties on your licence or even prison sentences. Driving while drunk (more than 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood) carries a fine of RM2,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months for the first offence. You will also lose your licence.