No, applying makeup while driving in Malaysia is illegal under the Road Transport Act 1987 and Land Public Transport Act 2010, as it constitutes distracted driving. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) classify such acts as careless driving, risking fines up to RM1,000 or imprisonment under Section 43(1) of the former. Courts have upheld convictions for similar offenses, emphasizing driver accountability.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Malaysia
- Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 prohibits driving without due care and attention, explicitly including activities that divert attention from the road.
- Section 26(1) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 imposes stricter penalties for commercial drivers, including bus and taxi operators, who engage in non-driving tasks.
- MIROS 2026 Road Safety Action Plan prioritizes enforcement against visual-manual distractions, with PDRM deploying AI-enhanced traffic cameras to detect such violations in high-risk zones.
Penalties escalate under the 2024 Road Transport (Amendment) Act, where repeat offenders face RM3,000 fines or 6-month license suspensions. Courts may also mandate defensive driving courses. Local authorities, such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), collaborate with PDRM to conduct roadside checks, particularly in urban areas where distracted driving incidents are prevalent. Drivers should note that even minor makeup application—such as lipstick or eyeliner—triggers liability if it impairs vehicle control.