THE use of special warning lights or `beacons' does not give `immunity' to any enforcement agency vehicle from observing safe driving practices and remaining alert, including to traffic lights, speed limits and other road users.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali stressed that the vehicles involved must also ensure that the route, including the junctions they pass through, is completely safe to avoid the risk of accidents to other road users.
This is because, he said, the use of special warning lights (beacons) on a vehicle is subject to the Sixth Schedule (Rule 24B), Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1959.
“Under Rule 9, Road Traffic Rules 1959, the right of priority over other traffic when carrying out emergency duties is allocated to certain vehicles, namely ambulances, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Royal Malaysian Police, the Prisons Department and the Road Transport Department.
“These vehicles must warn of their presence through sirens, bells or two-tone horns as provided.
“According to Rule 9, Traffic Rules 1959, road users must give way to enforcement or emergency vehicles that are carrying out official duties.
“At the same time, the act of deliberately obstructing, blocking or tailgating a team vehicle that is carrying out emergency duty may be subject to legal action,” he told a press conference today.
Meanwhile, Muhammed Hasbullah said that the installation or use of beacon lights on private vehicles, associations or public vehicles without written permission is an offence.
According to Rule 24B-1, Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Rules 1999 (Amendment 2024), motor vehicles are prohibited from being fitted with these special warning lights except for vehicles that are specifically listed under the Sixth Schedule.
He explained that any use of beacon lights outside the list of permitted vehicles requires the approval of the Minister of Transport on the recommendation of the Director General of the Road Transport Department (JPJ), as provided for under Rule 24B-2.
He added that on June 23, PDRM had held an engagement session with enforcement agencies to ensure understanding and coordination regarding road laws, including compliance with Rule 24B and the use of beacon light colours according to the specifications set.
He said this was important to prevent the use of special warning lights from being misinterpreted as giving absolute priority to the point of endangering other road users. – August 20, 2026
