The Road Transport Department (JPJ) was established in 1937, under the Traffic Enactment 1937. British martial law in the Federated Malay States. Its administration at that time was known as the Road Transport Board which functioned to control and license public enterprises. With the establishment of the Malayan administration in April 1946, the powers of the board were taken over by the Office of the Registrar and Inspection of Motor Cars which covers the whole of Malaya.

Prior to 1937, the control of motor cars was under 4 Federated Malay states, namely under the Perak and Selangor Police, the Chief Inspector of Negeri Sembilan and 6 District Officers in Pahang. Control is not in force in Non -Associated Malay States. Apart from 4 states on motor vehicles until the Traffic Enactment 1937 was passed.

In line with the opening of the department, a road law called the Road Traffic Ordinance 1953, was passed to replace the 1937 Traffic Enactment. Given the importance of the duties to enforce the law especially on commercial vehicles, then the Enforcement Division has been established and carries out the enforcement function.

On April 1, 1946, the Road Transport Department was established to coordinate all aspects related to transportation for the entire state. In connection with the establishment of this department, various acts related to Road Transport have been enacted such as the Road Traffic Ordinance 1958 and the Road Transport Act 1987. This aims to standardize national transport laws as well as a platform for JPJ to perform its responsibilities. Due to the significant progress in the national transportation system in 1980, JPJ is increasingly burdened with various responsibilities in improving the quality of its services. In line with that, the internal structure of the department has been restructured to increase efficiency to suit current needs and interests. Due to the diversity of functions in each division in this department, various innovations have been created to improve the quality of efficiency in the service. The 90s era showed the most encouraging progress due to the existence of encouraging demands on the transportation system.

The Malaysian Road Transport Department is one of the departments under the Land Division, Ministry of Transport Malaysia. Responsible in providing counter services for vehicle and driver licensing as well as enforcing the Road Transport Act 1987 to ensure prudent drivers and safe vehicles. In addition, it is also an organization that provides high quality services, manages revenue collection and enforces the transportation act in a transparent and effective manner.