Driving Differences: Jamaica vs. Maldives
When exploring the roads of Jamaica and the Maldives, drivers encounter distinct traffic regulations and road customs. Key variations include speed limits—ranging from 30-100 km/h in Jamaica compared to fixed limits in the Maldives—and unique lane markings that reflect each nation’s driving culture. Understanding these nuances is essential for safe travels abroad.
Lanes
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center of the road on two-way streets. | Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution. | Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear | Yes, when safe and legal. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Bridge crossings | Railroad crossings |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Primarily for buses in certain urban areas | Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Marked with signs indicating bus lane | May be designated with road signs or markings. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Minimal |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left | Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Occasional with bicycle symbols | Usually not specifically marked in many areas. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings | Not applicable |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
maldives:
Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
maldives:
Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives.
Overtaking: On Right
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
maldives:
Yes, when safe and legal.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
jamaica:
Bridge crossings
maldives:
Railroad crossings
Bus Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
maldives:
Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations.
Bus Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
maldives:
May be designated with road signs or markings.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
maldives:
Minimal
Cycle Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
maldives:
Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
maldives:
Usually not specifically marked in many areas.
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings
maldives:
Not applicable
Speeds Limits
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-50 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 25 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | Not applicable |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | Not applicable |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | Not applicable |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs | Not applicable |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common for immediate traffic violations | Common |
Urban Areas: Standard
jamaica:
30-50 km/h
maldives:
30 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
jamaica:
30 km/h
maldives:
25 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
70 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
100 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
100 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
80 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
maldives:
Not applicable
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations
maldives:
Common
Signals
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Jamaica | Not commonly used in Maldives |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Typically allowed in situations to avert danger | Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Discouraged near hospitals and schools | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Rarely enforced | Fines may apply for misuse |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To signal intentions, often a warning | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not widely restricted | Not to be used to signal other messages |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, especially if indicator lights fail | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Often triangular with red borders | Country-specific shapes and colors |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
jamaica:
Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing
maldives:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
maldives:
Not commonly used in Maldives
Horn Usage: Allowed
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
maldives:
Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
maldives:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
maldives:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
maldives:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
maldives:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
maldives:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
maldives:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
jamaica:
English; symbols are standard
maldives:
Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders
maldives:
Country-specific shapes and colors
Turns
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Not allowed unless signed |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise | Permitted unless prohibited by signs |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless signs prohibit it | Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Limited, mainly at main intersections |
Right Turn On Red
jamaica:
Prohibited
maldives:
Not allowed unless signed
Left Turn: General
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
maldives:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
maldives:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it
maldives:
Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated
Special Turn Lanes
jamaica:
Yes, marked with arrows
maldives:
Limited, mainly at main intersections
Documentation
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof via certificate | Periodic checks required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not consistently used | Usually displayed on the vehicle |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
maldives:
Periodic checks required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
jamaica:
Not consistently used
maldives:
Usually displayed on the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
maldives:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
maldives:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To signal intentions or warnings | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Informally regulated | Discouraged, fines may apply |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged | Discouraged and may be penalized |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Encouraged only to avert danger | Only in emergency situations |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate use; more common than in some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over and stop if safe | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Sirens and flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights |
Flashing Lights: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions or warnings
maldives:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
jamaica:
Informally regulated
maldives:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
jamaica:
Discouraged
maldives:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
maldives:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
maldives:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
maldives:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
maldives:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights
maldives:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Alcohol
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited | 0.00% |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check for impairment warnings | Check if medication affects driving ability |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Occasionally conducted | Less common |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies with severity and past offenses | Fines can be substantial |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe breaches | Possible for severe offenses |
| Test Refusal | Can result in fines and license suspension | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
jamaica:
0.08%
maldives:
0.00%
Limits: Professional Drivers
jamaica:
0.03%
maldives:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
maldives:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
maldives:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
maldives:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
maldives:
Less common
Enforcement: Fines
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
maldives:
Fines can be substantial
Enforcement: Imprisonment
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
maldives:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension
maldives:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout |
| Priority: Inside | Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if taking an immediate exit | Signal if turning immediately upon entry |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for immediate or second exit | Appropriate lanes as per signage |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for other exits | Appropriate lanes as per signage |
Priority: Entering
jamaica:
Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority
maldives:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
maldives:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
maldives:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
maldives:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
Lane Usage: Left
jamaica:
Use for other exits
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
Emergency Services
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 or 110 | 119 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 119 | Contact local police for traffic issues |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Depends on provider; often through insurance | Check with your insurance provider |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
jamaica:
119 or 110
maldives:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
jamaica:
119
maldives:
Contact local police for traffic issues
Contact: Roadside Assistance
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
maldives:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
maldives:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
maldives:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Jamaica | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit | Varies; fines start from MVR 750 |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment | Severe penalties including license suspension |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance | Fines apply for non-compliance |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply | Fines for use without hands-free |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Subject to fines and points | Substantial fines |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor fines | Possible for minor offenses |
| Payment: Deadline | Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days | Varies; typically within a specified time |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Must be paid promptly to avoid complications | Same as residents; must be paid |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible for unresolved fines | Possible if fines are not paid |
Common Fines: Speeding
jamaica:
Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit
maldives:
Varies; fines start from MVR 750
Common Fines: Alcohol
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
maldives:
Severe penalties including license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
maldives:
Fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
maldives:
Fines for use without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
maldives:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
maldives:
Possible for minor offenses
Payment: Deadline
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
maldives:
Varies; typically within a specified time
Foreign Drivers: Fines
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
maldives:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines
maldives:
Possible if fines are not paid