After an accident involving a motor vehicle the driver must stop and, if reasonably asked, give their name and address, the owner's name and address and the registration number (Road Transport Act 1987, s 52(1)). Every driver involved must report the accident at the nearest police station as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case within 24 hours, producing their driving licence (s 52(2)).
Claims for injury or damage from a motor-vehicle accident can be heard by the Sessions Court whatever the amount (Subordinate Courts Act 1948, s 65(1)(a)). A family's claim for loss of support after a death must be brought within three years of the death (Civil Law Act 1956, s 7(5)); other negligence claims generally within six years (Limitation Act 1953, s 6(1)(a)).
What to do first
- Make sure everyone is safe; call 999 if anyone is hurt.
- Exchange names, addresses, vehicle numbers and insurance details; take photos.
- Make a police report within 24 hours (RTA s 52(2)).
- Notify your insurer or takaful operator promptly, following your policy.
- Get legal advice early for serious injury or death claims — time limits apply.
Which court or agency?
| Problem | Where to go | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Accident injury or damage claims (any amount) | Sessions Court | Act 92 s 65(1)(a) |
| Traffic summonses and offences | Police (PDRM) / JPJ; Magistrates' Court | Road Transport Act 1987 |
| Dependency claim after a death | Civil courts, within 3 years | Civil Law Act 1956 s 7 |
Read the guides
Road Transport Act 1987Civil Law Act 1956Limitation Act 1953
Tools
Key laws — read the copy
| Act 333 | Road Transport Act 1987 Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987 | PDF · PDF (BM) · Official ↗ |
| Act 67 | Civil Law Act 1956 Akta Undang-Undang Sivil 1956 | PDF · Official ↗ |
| Act 254 | Limitation Act 1953 Akta Had Masa 1953 | PDF · PDF (BM) · Official ↗ |
| Act 92 | Subordinate Courts Act 1948 Akta Mahkamah Rendah 1948 | PDF · PDF (BM) · Official ↗ |
| Act 198 | Public Authorities Protection Act 1948 Akta Perlindungan Pihak Berkuasa Awam 1948 | PDF · PDF (BM) · Official ↗ |
Each law opens our mirror page: a copy of the official text with its capture date and version history, plus the official link.
Official links and forms
Questions people ask
What is the legal alcohol limit for driving?
22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath, 50 mg per 100 ml of blood or 67 mg per 100 ml of urine (s 45G, since 2020). There is no safe amount to drink before driving.
Can a drink-driving charge be settled with a compound?
Drink-driving offences under ss 44, 45 and 45A go to court and carry fines, jail and minimum disqualification periods. Compounds are for prescribed minor offences.
What happens if I don't pay a traffic summons?
Since 1 January 2026, unpaid compoundable summonses lose their discount after 30 days, and after 60 days you may face court action or be blacklisted, which can block road tax or licence renewal.
Does English law still apply in Malaysia?
Only to fill gaps. Under s 3(1), English common law and equity apply where no Malaysian written law covers the matter, as they stood in 1956 (Peninsular Malaysia), 1951 (Sabah) or 1949 (Sarawak), and only as local circumstances permit. Later English cases can be persuasive but are not binding.
How much is the bereavement award for a death in an accident?
RM30,000 under s 7(3A), as increased by the Civil Law (Amendment) Act 2019. It can be claimed for the spouse, children and parents of the deceased. If several people are entitled, they share it equally.
How long do I have to sue for a family member's death?
A dependency action under s 7 must be brought within three years after the death (s 7(5)). Do not wait: evidence and witnesses are easier to find early, and different time limits may apply if a government body is involved.
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