We all know the frustration that comes with being caught in a lengthy traffic jam as we navigate through the causeway into Johor Bahru.
Given the attractive currency conversion rate from Singapore Dollars to Malaysian Ringgit, it’s tempting for many of us to journey north and visit our neighboring country.
This is particularly true on weekends, or even on the upcoming public holiday next week.
Where and What are the heavy vehicle lanes for ?
For new drivers or those venturing into Malaysia for the first time, please note that the two rightmost lanes on the causeway are dedicated to heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries.
Image from Mustsharenews, 2023
For the uninitiated, these lanes are often less congested than the lanes dedicated to private vehicles and motorcycles.
As a result, some individuals may be tempted to take advantage of the emptier right lanes to swiftly bypass the traffic.
What happens when you drive on these dedicated lanes
You might be thinking, “What’s the big deal? Don’t all these lanes lead to the same destination—Johor Bahru?”
Indeed, they do. However, as highlighted in our video, the repercussions go beyond just getting side-eye glances from drivers and passengers queued in the heavy traffic.
You’re likely to be stopped by traffic enforcement officers from both the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and the Johor immigration authorities.
Not only could you potentially receive a summons, but it’s also highly likely you’ll be asked to make a U-turn back into Singapore to rejoin the queue.
At that point, you’d face not only a ‘drive of shame’ back to Singapore’s immigration, but also the realization that the time and fuel wasted have made the trip unfulfilling.
“Good Job Officers!”
In a brief video submitted to us by a fellow netizen, we can observe at least three cars being stopped and directed through the dividing lanes to make a U-turn back to Singapore.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
In the comments section, which has sparked a number of discussions, netizens expressed their satisfaction at seeing drivers who tried to cut the queue being forced to make a U-turn back to Singapore.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
One particular comment suggested that road users should remain in their lanes to keep things simple.
Screengrab from ROADS.sg / Facebook
Multiple queue cutting related incidents
However, this is not the first time we’ve seen incidents like this.
Just recently, in June 2023, a Singapore-registered vehicle was spotted taking a creative approach to queue-cutting.
The driver moved cones and barricades along the causeway, creating a pathway for their car to slip through the gaps, all in an attempt to bypass the traffic jam a bit quicker.
However, this is not the first time we’ve seen incidents like this.
Just recently, in June 2023, a Singapore-registered vehicle was spotted taking a creative approach to queue-cutting.
The driver moved cones and barricades along the causeway, creating a pathway for their car to slip through the gaps, all in an attempt to bypass the traffic jam a bit quicker.
Screengrab from Bob Jov / Facebook
In that same month, a Malaysian driver was banned from entering Singapore for recklessly driving in the heavy vehicle lane and failing to comply with an enforcement officer’s instructions by refusing to stop.
In response, as reported in a Straits Times article, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stated, “Such acts pose a safety hazard to our officers as well as other checkpoint users, putting them at risk.”
Screengrab from SG Road Vigilante – SGRV/Facebook
We wholeheartedly agree and hope that such incidents will cease, to ensure the safety of all road users, even as we cross the borders into Malaysia.
Have a story to share ?
Be it an incident that you encountered on the road or any motoring stories you might have, reach out to us at writer@roads.sg
