Driving in Madagascar vs. Switzerland: Key Safety Differences
When exploring the roads of Madagascar and Switzerland, it's crucial to understand their unique traffic regulations and customs. While Madagascar exhibits more lenient overtaking rules and a vibrant cultural approach to horn usage, Switzerland emphasizes strict enforcement of speed limits and organized lane discipline. Discover these distinctive driving practices to enhance your travel safety and experience abroad.
Lanes
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Typically not used. | Used for temporary road changes or construction zones. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Used in temporary traffic management. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Not recommended; local conditions may vary. | Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations. |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Stay to the right lane when possible. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Available mainly in urban areas | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved mostly for buses. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | May be marked clearly in major cities. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Sparse | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with vehicles unless marked. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Lane Change: Signal Mandatory | Yes, when possible. | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are fixed. | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
madagascar:
Typically not used.
switzerland:
Used for temporary road changes or construction zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
madagascar:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
switzerland:
Used in temporary traffic management.
Overtaking: On Right
madagascar:
Not recommended; local conditions may vary.
switzerland:
Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
madagascar:
Stay to the right lane when possible.
switzerland:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Available mainly in urban areas
switzerland:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Reserved mostly for buses.
switzerland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
May be marked clearly in major cities.
switzerland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Sparse
switzerland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Shared with vehicles unless marked.
switzerland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
N/A
switzerland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Lane Change: Signal Mandatory
madagascar:
Yes, when possible.
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
madagascar:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Speed limits are fixed.
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes, particularly in urban areas. | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common. | Yes, drivers can be fined on the spot. |
Urban Areas: Standard
madagascar:
50 km/h
switzerland:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
madagascar:
50 km/h
switzerland:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
switzerland:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
switzerland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
madagascar:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Not applicable
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
madagascar:
Yes, particularly in urban areas.
switzerland:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
madagascar:
Yes, common.
switzerland:
Yes, drivers can be fined on the spot.
Signals
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used | Prepare to go |
| 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 | Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular signs with red borders | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
madagascar:
Not commonly used
switzerland:
Prepare to go
Horn Usage: Allowed
madagascar:
Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling
switzerland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
madagascar:
Excessive use discouraged
switzerland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
madagascar:
May apply for misuse
switzerland:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
madagascar:
To warn other drivers or signal overtaking
switzerland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Hand Signals: Common Usage
madagascar:
Occasionally used, especially in rural areas
switzerland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
madagascar:
French and Malagasy
switzerland:
Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used
Traffic Signs: Warning
madagascar:
Triangular signs with red borders
switzerland:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Prohibited unless a specific sign allows it |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited unless specified otherwise | Allowed unless prohibited by sign |
Right Turn On Red
madagascar:
Prohibited
switzerland:
Prohibited unless a specific sign allows it
U- Turns Allowed
madagascar:
Prohibited unless specified otherwise
switzerland:
Allowed unless prohibited by sign
Documentation
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-French/German/Italian speaking licenses |
| 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 | Vehicle inspection is required regularly; proof must be available |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Indication may vary | Proof of inspection is kept in the vehicle |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
switzerland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-French/German/Italian speaking licenses
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
switzerland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
madagascar:
Mandatory for all vehicles
switzerland:
Vehicle inspection is required regularly; proof must be available
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
madagascar:
Indication may vary
switzerland:
Proof of inspection is kept in the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
switzerland:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 right and stop if necessary |
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
madagascar:
Common practice, particularly in heavy traffic
switzerland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
madagascar:
Use is more frequent in urban areas
switzerland:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
madagascar:
Significantly used for communication with other drivers
switzerland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
madagascar:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
switzerland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
madagascar:
Pull over to the side if necessary
switzerland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
Alcohol
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.05% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.08% | 0.05% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common in urban areas | Common; police conduct random breath tests |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | Substantial; fines can be based on income |
| Test Refusal | Results in penalties | Can result in license suspension and fines |
Limits: General Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
madagascar:
0.02%
switzerland:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
madagascar:
Common in urban areas
switzerland:
Common; police conduct random breath tests
Enforcement: Fines
madagascar:
Can be substantial
switzerland:
Substantial; fines can be based on income
Test Refusal
madagascar:
Results in penalties
switzerland:
Can result in license suspension and fines
Roundabouts
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Not commonly practiced | No signaling normally required when entering |
| Signaling: Exiting | Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for the first exit or straight |
Signaling: Entering
madagascar:
Not commonly practiced
switzerland:
No signaling normally required when entering
Signaling: Exiting
madagascar:
Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit
switzerland:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
madagascar:
Use for first exit or straight
switzerland:
Use for the first exit or straight
Emergency Services
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 117 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Could vary; commonly police contact | 117 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Varies by provider, public services might be limited | 140 |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
madagascar:
117
switzerland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
madagascar:
Could vary; commonly police contact
switzerland:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
madagascar:
Varies by provider, public services might be limited
switzerland:
140
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
switzerland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Madagascar | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines | Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension |
| 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 | CHF 60 |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use while driving | CHF 100 |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Monetary fines applied | Varies; substantial fines |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common for minor offenses | Common; fines can be issued on the spot |
| Payment: Deadline | Determined by issuing authority | Varies; typically a few weeks to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
madagascar:
Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines
switzerland:
Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension
Common Fines: Alcohol
madagascar:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
madagascar:
Fines applicable for non-use
switzerland:
CHF 60
Common Fines: Phone Use
madagascar:
Fines applicable for use while driving
switzerland:
CHF 100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
madagascar:
Monetary fines applied
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
madagascar:
Common for minor offenses
switzerland:
Common; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
madagascar:
Determined by issuing authority
switzerland:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay