File pic of a driver using a phone while driving.
KOTA KINABALU: An 18-year-old in Tawau was the first person in Sabah to be brought to court for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving.
Jaiz Jikka was fined RM500 by the Tawau magistrate's court after he pleaded guilty to the charge read out in front of Tawau High Court Deputy Registrar Amir Shah Amir Hassan today.
The teen, who was unrepresented, was charged under Rule 17 (A) of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 (LN 166/1959) for using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle.
According to the prosecution charge sheet, he was charged with the offence when driving a four-wheel-drive at KM80 of Jalan Tawau - Semporna at 6.27pm on July 29.
The accused, who is from Kampung Pangi, Kunak, was found using his mobile phone without a hands-free kit during a roadblock along the route.
For the offence, it allowed a fine up to RM1,000 or maximum three months jail term if found guilty; and a second-time offender can be fined up to RM2,000 and not exceeding six months jail term, or both.
The offence has also been categorised as a summonses that is non-compoundable effective July 6, where it must be brought and settled in court.
