If you drive regularly, then the sight of men with their faces partially covered and with containers of pickled mangoes in their hands pacing up and down at traffic light junctions might be familiar to you.
Once the traffic light turns red, these men would walk in between the cars to sell their goods. They would hurriedly return to the curb once the traffic light turns green. And the cycle repeats.
Have you ever wondered whether such sale is permitted under the law?
Rule 10A(1) of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 (Rules) provides that:
No person shall sell or offer to sell any article or thing to any person in or on any motor vehicle at a road junction or on any road.
Thus, it is illegal for these men to sell pickled mangoes (or anything at all) at traffic light junctions to drivers.
Whilst it is an offence to sell anything at traffic light junctions, what does the law say about drivers who buy from these sellers?
Rule 10A(2) of the Rules provides that:
No person in or on any motor vehicle shall, at any time whilst at a road junction or on any road, buys or attempts to buy any article or thing from any person unless the motor vehicle is parked at a parking place.
Thus, it is illegal for a driver to buy pickled mangoes (or anything at all) at traffic light junctions. The only exception would be if the driver makes a purchase from a roadside stall after the vehicle is parked at a parking place.
Anyone who contravenes Rule 10A of the Rules face a fine of RM2,000.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months[1].
While there may be willing seller and willing buyer at traffic light junctions, you may very well be staring at a road traffic summons while chewing on your favourite mangga asam boi!
[1] Section 119 of the Road Transport Act 1987
About the Author
Poon Wei Ying is a Senior Associate of XK Law who graduated with First Class Honours from the Cardiff University, United Kingdom. She believes in giving back to the society and that education can change a person’s life.
