JPJ Introduces Stricter Tyre and Heavy Vehicle Checks

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced two major improvements to the vehicle inspection process. These changes are aimed at raising safety standards and improving the efficiency and quality of services provided to road users.

The updated inspection procedures will involve Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres (PPKM) - like Puspakom and will take effect from June 1, 2025.

One of the key improvements is the inspection of tyre tread depth. JPJ now requires all commercial vehicles - both goods and public service vehicles - to have a minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6 MM across the entire surface of the tyre that touches the road.

Previously, only 75% of the tyre surface needed to meet this requirement.

With the new rule, any commercial vehicle that does not meet the full requirement will automatically fail the inspection.

Another improvement focuses on heavy vehicles, specifically dumper and tipper trucks where checks will be carried out to ensure that these vehicles do not have side boards that exceed the specifications stated in their permit.

Owners of dumper or tipper trucks carrying special loads must also present a Permit Approval Letter (STK) during inspections. This is to ensure that the vehicle body type and the cargo type match the approved specifications.

This enforcement is in line with the implementation of special body codes for dumper or tipper vehicles carrying materials such as fertilizer, coal, fly ash, gypsum, sawdust, corn, palm kernel and paddy - to prevent misuse of vehicle specifications and ensure safety and compliance.

If a vehicle fails the inspection at Puspakom , owners have two options.

They can refer to APAD and submit a new technical plan to JPJ with the correct body new code or alternatively, modify the side board height back to 762 MM before going for a re-inspection.

These improvements are expected to enhance road safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure better compliance with transport regulations.