Driving in Madagascar vs. Samoa: Key Safety Differences
When exploring the roadways of Madagascar and Samoa, travelers must navigate a landscape of distinct regulations and practices. Key variations include driving on opposite sides, differing speed limits, and unique traffic signals. Understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in these fascinating countries.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in madagascar is the Right Side of the road
34
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in madagascar is 34
1.214 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for madagascar is 1.214 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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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Typically not used. | Marks the centerline on two-way roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Yes | No | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Not recommended; local conditions may vary. | Yes | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Stay to the right lane when possible. | Use leftmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Available mainly in urban areas | No | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved mostly for buses. | N/A | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | May be marked clearly in major cities. | N/A | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Sparse | No | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with vehicles unless marked. | N/A | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | N/A | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Lane Change: Signal Mandatory | Yes, when possible. | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are fixed. | N/A |
Driving Side
madagascar:
Right
samoa:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
madagascar:
Typically not used.
samoa:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
madagascar:
Yes
samoa:
No
Overtaking: On Right
madagascar:
Not recommended; local conditions may vary.
samoa:
Yes
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
madagascar:
Stay to the right lane when possible.
samoa:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Available mainly in urban areas
samoa:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Reserved mostly for buses.
samoa:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
May be marked clearly in major cities.
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Sparse
samoa:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Shared with vehicles unless marked.
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
madagascar:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Lane Change: Signal Mandatory
madagascar:
Yes, when possible.
samoa:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Speed limits are fixed.
samoa:
N/A
Speeds Limits
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 25-40 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 20 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 55-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 55-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 55-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | Not applicable | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | Not applicable | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | Not applicable | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | N/A | |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes, particularly in urban areas. | Yes | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common. | Yes |
Urban Areas: Standard
madagascar:
50 km/h
samoa:
25-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
madagascar:
50 km/h
samoa:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Not applicable
samoa:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
madagascar:
Yes, particularly in urban areas.
samoa:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
madagascar:
Yes, common.
samoa:
Yes
Signals
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used | Not used in Samoa | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling | Only in cases to avoid accidents | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Excessive use discouraged | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | May apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers or signal overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Occasionally used, especially in rural areas | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | French and Malagasy | English and Samoan; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular signs with red borders | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
madagascar:
Not commonly used
samoa:
Not used in Samoa
Horn Usage: Allowed
madagascar:
Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling
samoa:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
madagascar:
Excessive use discouraged
samoa:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
madagascar:
May apply for misuse
samoa:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
madagascar:
To warn other drivers or signal overtaking
samoa:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Hand Signals: Common Usage
madagascar:
Occasionally used, especially in rural areas
samoa:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
madagascar:
French and Malagasy
samoa:
English and Samoan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
madagascar:
Triangular signs with red borders
samoa:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
Turns
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited unless specified otherwise | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign |
Right Turn On Red
madagascar:
Prohibited
samoa:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
madagascar:
Prohibited unless specified otherwise
samoa:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
Documentation
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory for all vehicles | Annual inspection required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Indication may vary | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
samoa:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
samoa:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
madagascar:
Mandatory for all vehicles
samoa:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
madagascar:
Indication may vary
samoa:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
samoa:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, particularly in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Use is more frequent in urban areas | Only in emergency situations | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Significantly used for communication with other drivers | Less frequent use compared to some countries | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the side if necessary | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary |
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
madagascar:
Common practice, particularly in heavy traffic
samoa:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
madagascar:
Use is more frequent in urban areas
samoa:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
madagascar:
Significantly used for communication with other drivers
samoa:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
madagascar:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
samoa:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
madagascar:
Pull over to the side if necessary
samoa:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
When exploring the roadways of Madagascar and Samoa, travelers must navigate a landscape of distinct regulations and practices. Key variations include driving on opposite sides, differing speed limits, and unique traffic signals. Understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in these fascinating countries.
Alcohol
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common in urban areas | Common | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | Varies; can be substantial | |
| Test Refusal | Results in penalties | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: Professional Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
samoa:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
madagascar:
0.02%
samoa:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
madagascar:
Common in urban areas
samoa:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
madagascar:
Can be substantial
samoa:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
madagascar:
Results in penalties
samoa:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Not commonly practiced | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit | Signal left when preparing to exit |
Signaling: Entering
madagascar:
Not commonly practiced
samoa:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
madagascar:
Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit
samoa:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Emergency Services
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 117 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Could vary; commonly police contact | 685-22-222 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Varies by provider, public services might be limited | Check with your insurance provider | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
madagascar:
117
samoa:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
madagascar:
Could vary; commonly police contact
samoa:
685-22-222
Contact: Roadside Assistance
madagascar:
Varies by provider, public services might be limited
samoa:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
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| Madagascar | Samoa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines | Varies; ST$50 to ST$500, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines applicable for non-use | ST$100 to ST$200 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use while driving | ST$50 to ST$300 | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Monetary fines applied | ST$100 to ST$500, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common for minor offenses | Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards | |
| Payment: Deadline | Determined by issuing authority | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
madagascar:
Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines
samoa:
Varies; ST$50 to ST$500, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
madagascar:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels
samoa:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
madagascar:
Fines applicable for non-use
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$200
Common Fines: Phone Use
madagascar:
Fines applicable for use while driving
samoa:
ST$50 to ST$300
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
madagascar:
Monetary fines applied
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$500, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
madagascar:
Common for minor offenses
samoa:
Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards
Payment: Deadline
madagascar:
Determined by issuing authority
samoa:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay