Driving Differences: Madagascar vs. Taiwan Explained
Embarking on a journey in Madagascar or Taiwan requires understanding distinct road regulations and practices. From lane markings to speed limits and traffic signals, these nations exhibit notable contrasts. Grasping these variations is crucial for a secure driving experience abroad, ensuring both safety and compliance with local customs.
Lanes
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Typically not used. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Not recommended; local conditions may vary. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. |
| 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; taxis and motorcycles sometimes allowed during specific times. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | May be marked clearly in major cities. | Labeled 'BUS' or '公交專用道'; often with road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Sparse | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with vehicles unless marked. | Exclusive for bicycles and scooters. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle and scooter symbols, often colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | Minimum two or more occupants during peak times |
| 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.
taiwan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Right
madagascar:
Not recommended; local conditions may vary.
taiwan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
madagascar:
Stay to the right lane when possible.
taiwan:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Available mainly in urban areas
taiwan:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Reserved mostly for buses.
taiwan:
Reserved for buses; taxis and motorcycles sometimes allowed during specific times.
Bus Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
May be marked clearly in major cities.
taiwan:
Labeled 'BUS' or '公交專用道'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Sparse
taiwan:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Shared with vehicles unless marked.
taiwan:
Exclusive for bicycles and scooters.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
N/A
taiwan:
Bicycle and scooter symbols, often colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
No
taiwan:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
madagascar:
N/A
taiwan:
Minimum two or more occupants during peak times
Lane Change: Signal Mandatory
madagascar:
Yes, when possible.
taiwan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
madagascar:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Speed limits are fixed.
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 50-80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 50-80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 50-70 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 90-110 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 80-90 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, fines can be issued on the spot |
Urban Areas: Standard
madagascar:
50 km/h
taiwan:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
madagascar:
50 km/h
taiwan:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
taiwan:
50-70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
taiwan:
90-110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
taiwan:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
taiwan:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
madagascar:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Not applicable
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
madagascar:
Yes, particularly in urban areas.
taiwan:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
madagascar:
Yes, common.
taiwan:
Yes, fines can be issued on the spot
Signals
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used | Not used in Taiwan |
| 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 | Mandarin; 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
taiwan:
Not used in Taiwan
Horn Usage: Allowed
madagascar:
Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling
taiwan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
madagascar:
Excessive use discouraged
taiwan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
madagascar:
May apply for misuse
taiwan:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
madagascar:
To warn other drivers or signal overtaking
taiwan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Hand Signals: Common Usage
madagascar:
Occasionally used, especially in rural areas
taiwan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
madagascar:
French and Malagasy
taiwan:
Mandarin; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
madagascar:
Triangular signs with red borders
taiwan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
Turns
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited unless specified otherwise | Generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them |
Right Turn On Red
madagascar:
Prohibited
taiwan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
madagascar:
Prohibited unless specified otherwise
taiwan:
Generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them
Documentation
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit required |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory for all vehicles | Yes, periodic inspections mandatory |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Indication may vary | Displayed on license plate or 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
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
madagascar:
Mandatory for all vehicles
taiwan:
Yes, periodic inspections mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
madagascar:
Indication may vary
taiwan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
taiwan:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
taiwan:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Frequent use in busy areas |
| 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
taiwan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
madagascar:
Use is more frequent in urban areas
taiwan:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
madagascar:
Significantly used for communication with other drivers
taiwan:
Frequent use in busy areas
Pedestrians Priority
madagascar:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
taiwan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
madagascar:
Pull over to the side if necessary
taiwan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
Alcohol
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.03% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.08% | 0.03% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00%; zero tolerance |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common in urban areas | Common, especially during holidays |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | Heavy fines imposed |
| Test Refusal | Results in penalties | Can result in license suspension and fine |
Limits: General Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
madagascar:
0.02%
taiwan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
madagascar:
Common in urban areas
taiwan:
Common, especially during holidays
Enforcement: Fines
madagascar:
Can be substantial
taiwan:
Heavy fines imposed
Test Refusal
madagascar:
Results in penalties
taiwan:
Can result in license suspension and fine
Roundabouts
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Not commonly practiced | Signal if turning immediately upon entry |
| Signaling: Exiting | Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
Signaling: Entering
madagascar:
Not commonly practiced
taiwan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
madagascar:
Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit
taiwan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Emergency Services
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 117 | 119 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Could vary; commonly police contact | Varies by district; inquire locally |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Varies by provider, public services might be limited | Available via insurance or specialized companies |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
madagascar:
117
taiwan:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
madagascar:
Could vary; commonly police contact
taiwan:
Varies by district; inquire locally
Contact: Roadside Assistance
madagascar:
Varies by provider, public services might be limited
taiwan:
Available via insurance or specialized companies
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
taiwan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
taiwan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Madagascar | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines | Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels | Steep fines, possible license suspension |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines applicable for non-use | NT$1,500, points in some cases |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use while driving | NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Monetary fines applied | NT$2,700, points on license |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common for minor offenses | Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately |
| Payment: Deadline | Determined by issuing authority | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
madagascar:
Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines
taiwan:
Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
madagascar:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels
taiwan:
Steep fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
madagascar:
Fines applicable for non-use
taiwan:
NT$1,500, points in some cases
Common Fines: Phone Use
madagascar:
Fines applicable for use while driving
taiwan:
NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
madagascar:
Monetary fines applied
taiwan:
NT$2,700, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
madagascar:
Common for minor offenses
taiwan:
Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
madagascar:
Determined by issuing authority
taiwan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay