JPJ SLD Compliance Phases Explained (Phase 1, 2, 3): What Vehicle Owners Must Do by 2026

If your vehicle is a lorry, bus, or any heavy commercial transport in Malaysia, you must install or verify a Speed Limitation Device (SLD) by JPJ’s deadlines – or risk fines, road bans, and failed inspections.

There are three SLD compliance phases, based on when your vehicle was made and whether it has a built-in speed limiter. The deadlines start from October 1, 2025, and end by July 1, 2026.

Malaysia’s roads are getting stricter — and safer. Starting 2025, Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) is rolling out a national enforcement plan that makes Speed Limitation Devices (SLDs) mandatory for all heavy commercial vehicles. Whether you run a logistics fleet, a school bus company, or a long-haul trucking business, this law applies to you.

The goal? To prevent speeding, reduce deadly crashes, and bring Malaysia in line with global safety practices.

The SLD law doesn’t treat all vehicles the same. Instead, JPJ has divided enforcement into three key phases, depending on your vehicle’s age and engine control unit (ECU) capability. Each phase has its own compliance action and deadline. If you miss it, you could face fines up to RM10,000, loss of road permits, or even have your vehicles barred from operation.

This article breaks down:

• What each compliance phase means

• What documents you need

• How to stay compliant without last-minute panic

Let’s get started with the basics.

Why JPJ Is Enforcing SLDs in Malaysia

Speeding is one of the top causes of road deaths in Malaysia, and a large number of those involve heavy commercial vehicles like buses, lorries, and oil tankers. Many of these vehicles travel long distances at high speeds, often overloaded or driven under time pressure. The results have been devastating — with fatal highway crashes, high-impact collisions, and major public safety risks.

To stop this, JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) introduced a new rule requiring all heavy vehicles to use Speed Limitation Devices (SLDs). These devices cap the maximum speed to a safe limit — normally 90 km/h — regardless of how hard the driver presses the accelerator.

This is part of a wider road safety policy known as Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate road deaths entirely. The initiative is also supported by MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research) and follows global regulations like United Nations Regulation No. 89 (UN R89).

Another reason behind this enforcement is to standardize safety compliance across fleet operators in both urban and rural areas. Too many operators delay safety upgrades or rely on driver discipline alone. By making SLDs mandatory, JPJ removes that risk at the hardware level.

In short, this isn’t just another road rule — it’s a life-saving decision. With deadlines now officially confirmed, the time to act is now.

Overview of the 3 JPJ SLD Compliance Phases

To make sure all vehicle owners have enough time to comply, JPJ has introduced a three-phase plan for the Speed Limitation Device (SLD) enforcement. Each phase is based on the manufacturing year of your vehicle and whether it already has an ECU that supports SLD activation.

These compliance phases are not optional. If your vehicle is in the commercial transport category — like a lorry, bus, coach, or fleet truck — you must follow the correct phase and complete the process before your assigned deadline.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Each phase has its own technical steps, required documents, and inspection checkpoints via PUSPAKOM and APAD. You must also use a JPJ-recognized certifier or installer to ensure your SLD is properly calibrated and legally approved.

Failing to meet your phase deadline could mean:

• Rejection during permit renewals

• Vehicle immobilization

• Costly fines

• Blacklisting by JPJ enforcement

Now, let’s take a closer look at what each phase involves, starting with Phase 1.

Phase 1: Vehicles Built After January 1, 2015

If your vehicle was manufactured after January 1, 2015, and it’s a bus, lorry, van, or heavy-duty commercial vehicle, then you’re part of Phase 1 in JPJ’s SLD compliance plan.

Most vehicles built after this date already come with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that supports a built-in Speed Limitation Device (SLD) function. However, many of these systems were never activated or calibrated properly — especially if the vehicle was imported or used for non-public transport.

What You Need to Do:

• Step 1: Visit an authorized SLD certifier or the vehicle manufacturer to verify if the SLD function is active.

• Step 2: If not, the system must be activated and calibrated to the legal limit of 90 km/h.

• Step 3: Get the required certification documents from the workshop, including:

  • Slip Pengesahan Kefungsian SLD (SLD Functionality Confirmation Slip)

  • Laporan Kefungsian SLD (Technical Inspection Report)

Deadline: October 1, 2025

This is the first enforcement deadline under the JPJ mandate. If you’re in Phase 1 and fail to activate and certify your SLD by this date, your vehicle may be:

• Barred from PUSPAKOM inspections

• Blocked from road tax or permit renewals

• Issued a fine or legal notice by JPJ during on-road checks

Common Mistake:

Many fleet owners assume their vehicles are already compliant because they were built after 2015. But unless you have the verified slip from a JPJ-approved workshop, you are not officially compliant.

Start early to avoid bottlenecks — especially if you manage a fleet of 10 or more vehicles.

Phase 2: Vehicles Built Before 2015 (with ECU SLD Capability)

If your vehicle was built before January 1, 2015, but still has an ECU that supports speed limiting, then you fall under Phase 2 of the JPJ SLD compliance plan.

Many older commercial vehicles — especially Japanese models like Hino, Isuzu, or Mitsubishi Fuso — come with dormant SLD functionality in their ECU. This means the limiter is there, but it’s never been activated or calibrated to meet JPJ’s latest standards.

What You Need to Do:

• Step 1: Bring your vehicle to a JPJ-approved installer or service centre to check for SLD support in the ECU.

• Step 2: If supported, the technician will activate and calibrate the limiter to 90 km/h.

• Step 3: Once done, you must receive:

  • ✅ Slip Pengesahan Kefungsian SLD

  • ✅ Laporan Kefungsian SLD

These documents are required when going for PUSPAKOM inspections, permit renewals (via APAD or LPKP), and on-road spot checks.

Deadline: January 1, 2026

This gives Phase 2 vehicle owners three more months after Phase 1. However, demand for certified workshops is expected to spike as this date approaches — especially among older fleet operators, school buses, and medium-sized lorry owners.

Pro Tip:

Not all service centres can handle older ECUs. Always ask if the installer is authorized by JPJ and listed as a Pengesah (Verifier). An uncertified activation will not pass inspection — and could lead to fines or rejection notices.

If you’re not sure whether your ECU supports SLD activation, act now. A simple diagnostic test can save you thousands in retrofitting costs later.

Phase 3: Vehicles Without Any Built-In SLD

If your vehicle was built before January 1, 2015, and it does not have an SLD-compatible ECU, then you’re part of Phase 3 — the most urgent and costly phase under JPJ’s enforcement.

This applies mostly to:

• Older fleet vehicles, commercial lorries, and reconditioned buses

• Imported used vehicles or rebuilt trucks

• Vehicles that were never designed with an SLD system

These vehicles are considered high-risk by JPJ because they operate without any built-in protection against overspeeding.

What You Must Do:

• Step 1: Schedule a retrofit installation of a JPJ-certified Speed Limitation Device (not just any aftermarket model).

• Step 2: Use only an authorized JPJ installer or workshop approved to issue compliance certificates.

• Step 3: After installation, make sure you receive:

  • ✅ Laporan Kefungsian SLD (Technical Functionality Report)

  • ✅ Slip Pengesahan Kefungsian SLD

The new SLD must be:

• Tamper-proof

• Calibrated to 90 km/h max

• Compliant with UN Regulation No. 89 (UN R89)

• Compatible with your vehicle’s engine and terrain use (urban vs highway)

Deadline: July 1, 2026

This is the final phase of enforcement, but it involves the most work, so waiting until the last minute is risky. Retrofit installations take longer, and demand will skyrocket as the deadline nears — especially for fleet vehicles, cross-border transporters, and tour bus companies.

Retrofit Cost & Availability

Prices vary depending on:

• Vehicle model

• Engine type (diesel vs petrol)

• Number of units to install (fleet vs individual)

Delays are expected, as workshops need to:

• Order certified hardware

• Schedule installations

• Perform calibration and testing

That’s why JPJ strongly recommends booking early, especially if your fleet spans multiple locations or states.

⚠️ Important:

Only use JPJ-recognized SLD devices and authorized installers. DIY kits, uncertified products, or non-compliant devices will lead to:

• Inspection failures

• Fines

• Blacklist notices from JPJ

Documents Required for JPJ SLD Certification

No matter which phase you fall under, it’s not enough to just install or activate the Speed Limitation Device (SLD). You also need to have official documentation to prove your vehicle is fully compliant with JPJ’s enforcement guidelines.

These documents are mandatory during:

• PUSPAKOM inspections

• APAD or LPKP permit renewals

• On-road JPJ enforcement stops

• Fleet audits or roadworthiness checks

Here’s what you must prepare:

1. Slip Pengesahan Kefungsian SLD

This is the SLD Functionality Confirmation Slip.
It proves that your limiter:

• Has been installed or activated correctly

• Has been set to the approved speed (90 km/h)

• Was verified by a JPJ-certified technician or workshop

Keep a printed copy inside the vehicle at all times. It’s often the first thing JPJ officers ask for during a roadblock or inspection.

2. Laporan Kefungsian SLD

This is the Technical Functionality Report.
It includes:

• Installer information

• Device serial number

• Vehicle chassis and plate number

• Limiter settings

• Test results and compliance stamp

This report shows that your vehicle has passed all technical and legal checks and is safe to operate on Malaysian roads.

Document Validity and Storage

• Validity Period: Both documents are valid for 2 years

• Where to Store: Keep physical and digital copies in your fleet records and inside each vehicle

• Renewal: After 2 years, the vehicle must go through re-verification via PUSPAKOM or an approved workshop

Missing Documents? You’re Not Compliant

Even if your SLD is working, missing paperwork means failure during inspections. You could face:

• Fines

• Permit suspension

• Vehicle being grounded

Always double-check that your installer is authorized to issue JPJ-recognized documents. Unlicensed workshops are not accepted.

Penalties for SLD Non-Compliance in Malaysia

If your commercial vehicle fails to comply with JPJ’s Speed Limitation Device (SLD) requirements, the consequences are serious — both legally and financially.

This is not just a soft recommendation. It’s a mandatory regulation backed by enforcement from:

• JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan)

• PUSPAKOM

• APAD / LPKP (Permit issuing authorities)

• Ministry of Transport (MOT)

Whether you miss the deadline, skip documentation, or use a non-certified device — your vehicle can be flagged as non-compliant.

Fines and Legal Action

• Compound fines range from RM3,000 to RM10,000 per vehicle.

• Repeated offences can lead to court summons and higher penalties.

• Your company may be placed on JPJ’s enforcement watchlist.

Vehicle Immobilization or Ban

If caught operating without a valid SLD certificate, your vehicle may be:

• Impounded by JPJ officers

• Barred from road use

• Disqualified from route permits (especially for public transport and school buses)

Business Risks

• Permit renewals may be rejected by APAD or LPKP

• You risk losing government contracts if you’re a vendor or service provider

• Insurance claims may be denied after an accident involving a non-compliant vehicle

 High-Risk Categories Targeted

JPJ has confirmed that they will prioritize enforcement on:

• Express buses

• Chemical and fuel tankers

• Cross-border hauliers

• School and tourism buses

These categories are seen as high liability sectors due to passenger or cargo sensitivity.

Bottom Line:

If your vehicle isn’t certified and compliant by your assigned deadline, it may be shut down — regardless of whether it’s still running safely. Compliance isn’t optional. It’s the law.

Tips for Fleet Owners: How to Prepare Early for JPJ SLD Compliance

If you manage a fleet of lorries, buses, or delivery vans in Malaysia, don’t wait until the last minute. With thousands of vehicles rushing to meet the same JPJ deadlines, workshops will be overbooked — and non-compliance could shut down your entire operation.

Here’s how to get ahead of the curve and avoid last-minute chaos:

1. Audit Your Fleet Vehicles by Manufacturing Year

Start by listing all your commercial vehicles and grouping them by:

• Manufacturing date

• ECU type

• Current SLD status

This helps you identify which vehicle falls into Phase 1, 2, or 3 — so you know exactly what action is required.

💡 Use your logbook (geran), VTA certificate, or chassis plate to confirm build year.

2. Check SLD Support in Your ECU

For vehicles from before 2015, run a diagnostic to check if the ECU supports SLD activation.
If yes → you only need activation.
If no → you’ll need a retrofit installation with a certified device.

Schedule a check with a JPJ-registered installer or verifier.

3. Book Installation or Activation Early

Certified workshops will be overwhelmed as deadlines approach. Don’t risk delays that could ground your vehicles.

🔧 Book your installation or verification at least 3–6 months before your compliance deadline.

4. Store Documents Properly

Once your SLD is activated or installed, make sure you:

• Collect the Slip Pengesahan Kefungsian SLD

• Secure the Laporan Kefungsian SLD

• Store both inside the vehicle and in your digital fleet records

• Set reminders to renew after 2 years

5. Integrate with GPS & Telematics (Optional but Powerful)

Modern SLD devices can sync with your existing fleet telematics system or GPS tracker, giving you:

• Real-time speed alerts

• Compliance logs

• Geo-fencing speed control (urban vs highway)

This helps you monitor driver behavior, reduce violations, and boost safety across the fleet.

6. Train Your Drivers

Your drivers need to understand how the limiter works — especially if you’re using dual-speed systems that adjust based on terrain or location.

Train them on:

• How the SLD affects throttle response

• What to do if the limiter activates suddenly

• How to respond during JPJ road checks

Bonus Tip: Roll Out in Phases

If you operate 20+ vehicles, roll out compliance in batches:

• Start with long-haul and high-risk units

• Then move to urban fleets

• End with support or standby vehicles

This approach spreads out costs and avoids operational downtime.

Final Thoughts: Act Now Before JPJ Deadlines Catch Up

SLD compliance isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about protecting your drivers, your passengers, your business — and the people who share the road with you every day.

JPJ has made it clear: Speed Limitation Devices are mandatory for all heavy commercial vehicles in Malaysia. Whether you’re in Phase 1, 2, or 3, the deadlines are already approaching. And once they pass, there’s no more grace period — just fines, failed inspections, and blocked permits.

If you’re still unsure about your vehicle’s status, take this as your reminder to act today:

• Audit your fleet

• Book with a certified installer

• Get your documentation in order

• Train your drivers and team

Early action means:

• No last-minute workshop rush

• No downtime for your fleet

• No risk of being pulled off the road by JPJ

Staying compliant isn’t just smart — it’s the law.
But more importantly, it’s a step toward safer roads and a stronger, more professional transport industry in Malaysia.