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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Malta: Key Safety Differences

Discover the contrasting road regulations and driving customs between Afghanistan and Malta. This comparison highlights significant distinctions, such as driving on the right in Afghanistan versus the left in Malta, as well as varying speed limits and traffic signage. Understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a safe and smooth journey abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
afghanistan:
Right
malta:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
malta:
Marks the left edge on some divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
malta:
Often used to indicate parking restrictions.
Overtaking: On Left
afghanistan:
Yes
malta:
No
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
malta:
Yes
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
malta:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
malta:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
malta:
Reserved for buses and emergency vehicles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
malta:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
malta:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
malta:
Shared use with caution, marked on roads.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
malta:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
malta:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
malta:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
malta:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
malta:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
malta:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
malta:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
afghanistan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
malta:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
malta:
Not used in Malta
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
malta:
English and Maltese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
malta:
Triangular-shaped with a white background or yellow.

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
malta:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
malta:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
malta:
Displayed on license plate or windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
malta:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
malta:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
malta:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
afghanistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
malta:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
malta:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
malta:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
malta:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
malta:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
malta:
Reasonably enforced; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
afghanistan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
malta:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
malta:
112 for emergencies
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
malta:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Malta
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
malta:
Varies; typically €35 to €70, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
malta:
Varies; substantial fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
malta:
Typically around €50, points may apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
malta:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
malta:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay