Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in Lebanon vs. Malta: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads in Lebanon and Malta, understanding their distinct driving regulations is crucial for your safety. Key differences include driving sides, speed limits, and overtaking rules. While Lebanon drives on the right, Malta favors the left, making it essential for travelers to grasp these nuances for a smoother journey.

Lanes

Driving Side
lebanon:
Right
malta:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
lebanon:
Typically used to mark out zones where parking is prohibited.
malta:
Marks the left edge on some divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
lebanon:
Used as a separation line in some areas.
malta:
Often used to indicate parking restrictions.
Overtaking: On Left
lebanon:
Yes
malta:
No
Overtaking: On Right
lebanon:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
malta:
Yes
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
lebanon:
Use rightmost lane.
malta:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
lebanon:
No
malta:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
lebanon:
N/A
malta:
Reserved for buses and emergency vehicles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
lebanon:
N/A
malta:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
lebanon:
No
malta:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
lebanon:
N/A
malta:
Shared use with caution, marked on roads.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
lebanon:
N/A
malta:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
lebanon:
N/A
malta:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
lebanon:
N/A
malta:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
lebanon:
40-50 km/h
malta:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
lebanon:
30-40 km/h
malta:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
lebanon:
50-80 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
lebanon:
50-80 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
lebanon:
50-80 km/h
malta:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
lebanon:
80-100 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
lebanon:
80-100 km/h
malta:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
lebanon:
N/A
malta:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
lebanon:
Yes
malta:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
lebanon:
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
lebanon:
Not used in Lebanon
malta:
Not used in Malta
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
lebanon:
Signal when entering and exiting
malta:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
lebanon:
Avoid unnecessary use in urban areas
malta:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
lebanon:
Arabic and French; symbols are standard
malta:
English and Maltese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
lebanon:
Triangle-shaped with red borders
malta:
Triangular-shaped with a white background or yellow.

Turns

Right Turn On Red
lebanon:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
malta:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
lebanon:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
malta:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
lebanon:
International Driving Permit recommended
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
lebanon:
International Driving Permit required
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
lebanon:
Yes, annual inspection required
malta:
Annual vehicle inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
lebanon:
Displayed on windshield
malta:
Displayed on license plate or windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
lebanon:
Mandatory
malta:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
lebanon:
Not mandatory
malta:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
lebanon:
Horn usage is more frequent compared to some countries
malta:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
lebanon:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
malta:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
lebanon:
0.05%
malta:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
lebanon:
0.00%; zero tolerance
malta:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
lebanon:
Common through checkpoints
malta:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
lebanon:
Substantial for violations
malta:
Reasonably enforced; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
lebanon:
Signal when preparing to enter
malta:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
lebanon:
Signal right when preparing to exit
malta:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
lebanon:
112
malta:
112 for emergencies
Contact: Roadside Assistance
lebanon:
Varies; consult your insurance provider
malta:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Malta
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
lebanon:
Mandatory
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
lebanon:
Not mandatory
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
lebanon:
Varies; may lead to substantial fines
malta:
Varies; typically €35 to €70, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
lebanon:
Fines and potential incarceration
malta:
Varies; substantial fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
lebanon:
Mandatory for all passengers
malta:
Typically around €50, points may apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
lebanon:
Fines imposed for mobile use without hands-free
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
lebanon:
Substantial fines
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
lebanon:
Possible; often paid at stations
malta:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
lebanon:
Usually within 15-30 days
malta:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay