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Driving in Hong Kong vs Malta: Key Differences Explained

Driving in Hong Kong and Malta presents unique regulations and practices that are essential for motorists to understand. While both regions have solid traffic markings, significant distinctions exist in speed limits, alcohol tolerance, and emergency contact numbers. Familiarizing yourself with these variations will enhance your overall travel safety and ensure a smoother journey.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
hong kong:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
malta:
Marks the left edge on some divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
hong kong:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
malta:
Often used to indicate parking restrictions.
Overtaking: On Left
hong kong:
Prohibited; left is the normal driving lane
malta:
No
Overtaking: On Right
hong kong:
Yes, overtaking should be done on the right.
malta:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
hong kong:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
malta:
Reserved for buses and emergency vehicles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
hong kong:
Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs.
malta:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
hong kong:
Exclusive for bicycles.
malta:
Shared use with caution, marked on roads.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
hong kong:
Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces.
malta:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
hong kong:
N/A
malta:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hong kong:
N/A
malta:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
hong kong:
30-50 km/h
malta:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
hong kong:
100 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
hong kong:
100 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hong kong:
N/A
malta:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
hong kong:
No; fines are usually sent by mail
malta:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
hong kong:
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
hong kong:
Used when lights are about to turn green
malta:
Not used in Malta
Traffic Signs: Language
hong kong:
Chinese and English; symbols are standard
malta:
English and Maltese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
hong kong:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background
malta:
Triangular-shaped with a white background or yellow.

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
hong kong:
Permitted unless prohibited by sign
malta:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
hong kong:
Required annually
malta:
Annual vehicle inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
hong kong:
Displayed on the windshield
malta:
Displayed on license plate or windshield.

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
hong kong:
0.05%
malta:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
hong kong:
0.00%; zero tolerance
malta:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
hong kong:
Common, checkpoints used frequently
malta:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
hong kong:
HK$5,000 or more for first offenses
malta:
Reasonably enforced; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
hong kong:
999
malta:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
hong kong:
Varies; usually contact through 999
malta:
112 for emergencies
Contact: Roadside Assistance
hong kong:
Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA
malta:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Malta
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
hong kong:
Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license
malta:
Varies; typically €35 to €70, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
hong kong:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
malta:
Varies; substantial fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
hong kong:
HK$5,000, potential imprisonment
malta:
Typically around €50, points may apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
hong kong:
HK$2,000, points on license
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
hong kong:
HK$900, points on license
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
hong kong:
Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail
malta:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
hong kong:
Varies; typically 14 to 30 days to pay
malta:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay