Driving in China vs. Maldives: Essential Safety Insights
When exploring the roads of China and the Maldives, understanding the contrasting driving regulations is essential for ensuring safety. Key distinctions include driving on opposite sides—right in China versus left in the Maldives—as well as varying speed limits and overtaking rules. Grasping these nuances can greatly enhance your travel experience and road safety abroad.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in china is the Right Side of the road
49
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in china is 49
1.162 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for china is 1.162 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Separates directions on multi-lane roads. | Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Yes | No | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed in certain cases; check local rules. | Yes, when safe and legal. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3] | Railroad crossings | Pedestrian crossings | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane if possible. | Use leftmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes | Limited | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places. | Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes. | May be designated with road signs or markings. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Minimal | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes. | Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color. | Usually not specifically marked in many areas. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Yes | No | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants | Not applicable | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | Not applicable |
Driving Side
china:
Right
maldives:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
china:
Separates directions on multi-lane roads.
maldives:
Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
china:
Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
maldives:
Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives.
Overtaking: On Left
china:
Yes
maldives:
No
Overtaking: On Right
china:
Allowed in certain cases; check local rules.
maldives:
Yes, when safe and legal.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
china:
List length: 4
maldives:
List length: 5
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3]
china:
Railroad crossings
maldives:
Pedestrian crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
china:
Use rightmost lane if possible.
maldives:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
maldives:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
china:
Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places.
maldives:
Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations.
Bus Lanes: Markings
china:
Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes.
maldives:
May be designated with road signs or markings.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
maldives:
Minimal
Cycle Lanes: Usage
china:
Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes.
maldives:
Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
china:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color.
maldives:
Usually not specifically marked in many areas.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
maldives:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
china:
Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
china:
Yes
maldives:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
china:
Electronic signs display current limits.
maldives:
Not applicable
Speeds Limits
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 25 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70-90 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-80 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | Not applicable | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90-100 km/h | Not applicable | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | Not applicable | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | Not applicable | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, especially in urban areas | Common |
Urban Areas: Standard
china:
40-60 km/h
maldives:
30 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
china:
30 km/h
maldives:
25 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
china:
70-90 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
china:
70-80 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
china:
60-80 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
china:
100-120 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
china:
90-100 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
china:
80-100 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
china:
Yes
maldives:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
china:
Electronic signs display current limits
maldives:
Not applicable
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
china:
Yes, especially in urban areas
maldives:
Common
Signals
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in China | Not commonly used in Maldives | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Chinese; symbols also used | Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular shape with red borders | Country-specific shapes and colors |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
china:
Not used in China
maldives:
Not commonly used in Maldives
Horn Usage: Allowed
china:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
maldives:
Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
china:
Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution
maldives:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
china:
Chinese; symbols also used
maldives:
Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
china:
Triangular shape with red borders
maldives:
Country-specific shapes and colors
Turns
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality | Not allowed unless signed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs | Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated | |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Limited, mainly at main intersections |
Right Turn On Red
china:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality
maldives:
Not allowed unless signed
U- Turns Allowed
china:
Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs
maldives:
Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated
Special Turn Lanes
china:
Yes, marked with arrows
maldives:
Limited, mainly at main intersections
Documentation
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid Chinese driver's license required | Valid driver's license required | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit required for short visits | Accepted with International Driving Permit | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required | Accepted with International Driving Permit | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles | Periodic checks required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Usually displayed on the vehicle | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Requirement
china:
Valid Chinese driver's license required
maldives:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
china:
International Driving Permit required for short visits
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
china:
International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
china:
Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles
maldives:
Periodic checks required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
china:
Displayed on windshield
maldives:
Usually displayed on the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
china:
Mandatory
maldives:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
china:
Not mandatory, but recommended
maldives:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai | Less frequent use compared to some countries | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary |
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
china:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
maldives:
Common practice
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
china:
Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai
maldives:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
china:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
maldives:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
When exploring the roads of China and the Maldives, understanding the contrasting driving regulations is essential for ensuring safety. Key distinctions include driving on opposite sides—right in China versus left in the Maldives—as well as varying speed limits and overtaking rules. Grasping these nuances can greatly enhance your travel experience and road safety abroad.
Alcohol
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.00% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, especially near bars and clubs | Less common | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Severe fines, license suspension possible | Fines can be substantial | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and legal penalties | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
china:
0.02%
maldives:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
china:
0.00%; zero tolerance
maldives:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
china:
Common, especially near bars and clubs
maldives:
Less common
Enforcement: Fines
china:
Severe fines, license suspension possible
maldives:
Fines can be substantial
Test Refusal
china:
Can result in license suspension and legal penalties
maldives:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight ahead | Appropriate lanes as per signage | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Appropriate lanes as per signage |
Lane Usage: Right
china:
Use for first exit or straight ahead
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
Lane Usage: Left
china:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
Emergency Services
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 110 | 119 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Same as general emergency; 110 | Contact local police for traffic issues | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
china:
110
maldives:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
china:
Same as general emergency; 110
maldives:
Contact local police for traffic issues
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
china:
Mandatory
maldives:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
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| China | Maldives | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license | Varies; fines start from MVR 750 | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Severe penalties including license suspension | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | ¥50 to ¥200 | Fines apply for non-compliance | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines and points on license | Fines for use without hands-free | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | Substantial fines | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines often paid online or at banks | Possible for minor offenses | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay | Varies; typically within a specified time |
Common Fines: Speeding
china:
Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license
maldives:
Varies; fines start from MVR 750
Common Fines: Alcohol
china:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
maldives:
Severe penalties including license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
china:
¥50 to ¥200
maldives:
Fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
china:
Fines and points on license
maldives:
Fines for use without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
china:
Fines and points on license
maldives:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
china:
Possible; fines often paid online or at banks
maldives:
Possible for minor offenses
Payment: Deadline
china:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
maldives:
Varies; typically within a specified time