JPJ introduces new vehicle inspection standards

PETALING JAYA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will introduce two key improvements to its vehicle inspection procedures starting Saturday (June 1) to enhance road safety standards.

In a statement, JPJ said the enhancements focus on tyre tread inspections and stricter checks on heavy vehicles, particularly dumper or tipper trucks.

"Under the updated rules, all commercial vehicles transporting goods or passengers must now have tyre tread thickness of at least 1.6mm across the entire surface that contacts the road."

"Previously, inspections required only 75% of the tyre surface to meet this standard. With the new requirement, any commercial vehicle failing to comply will not pass the inspection," it said.

JPJ added that these new requirements would apply to Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres, including Puspakom Sdn Bhd.

In addition, JPJ will work with Puspakom to enforce regulations on dumper or tipper lorries to ensure they do not exceed the approved sideboard height, in line with specifications from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and approved technical plans.

Vehicle owners transporting special cargo using these trucks must present a valid approved offer letter or permit during inspection to ensure the vehicle body type and cargo match the approved specifications.

The enforcement is part of implementing special body codes (kod badan khas) for dumper or tipper lorries carrying specific loads like fertiliser, coal, fly ash, gypsum, sawdust, corn, palm kernel, and paddy.

Those who fail the inspections have two options: apply for a new or corrected permit from APAD and submit a revised technical plan to JPJ based on the correct body code, or modify the sideboard height to 762mm and retain the current body code before returning for reinspection.

"This move aims to prevent the misuse of vehicle specifications and ensure safety and compliance when transporting such material on public roads," JPJ said.