Driving in Madagascar vs. Tonga: Key Differences Explored
When traveling in Madagascar and Tonga, understanding the distinct driving habits is crucial for ensuring a safe journey. Key differences include Madagascar's right-side driving and a lack of bus lanes, contrasted with Tonga's left-side navigation and structured speed limits. Familiarizing yourself with these variations can enhance your road experience abroad.
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 | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Typically not used. | Often used to separate traffic directions. | |
| 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 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
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
madagascar:
Typically not used.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Overtaking: On Right
madagascar:
Not recommended; local conditions may vary.
tonga:
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.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Available mainly in urban areas
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Reserved mostly for buses.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
May be marked clearly in major cities.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Sparse
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Shared with vehicles unless marked.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
madagascar:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Lane Change: Signal Mandatory
madagascar:
Yes, when possible.
tonga:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Speed limits are fixed.
tonga:
N/A
Speeds Limits
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 40 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | No specific highways with designated higher speed limits | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | N/A | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | N/A | |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes, particularly in urban areas. | No widespread use | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common. | Common; paid directly to traffic officers |
Urban Areas: Standard
madagascar:
50 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
madagascar:
50 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Not applicable
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
madagascar:
Yes, particularly in urban areas.
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
madagascar:
Yes, common.
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers
Signals
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used | Not commonly used in Tonga | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Use indicators appropriately | |
| 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 Tongan; 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
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
madagascar:
Signal when exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Horn Usage: Allowed
madagascar:
Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling
tonga:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
madagascar:
Excessive use discouraged
tonga:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
madagascar:
May apply for misuse
tonga:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
madagascar:
To warn other drivers or signal overtaking
tonga:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Hand Signals: Common Usage
madagascar:
Occasionally used, especially in rural areas
tonga:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
madagascar:
French and Malagasy
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
madagascar:
Triangular signs with red borders
tonga:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
Turns
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited unless specified otherwise | Varies by location; check for signs |
U- Turns Allowed
madagascar:
Prohibited unless specified otherwise
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs
Documentation
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Required; proof may be 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
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
madagascar:
Mandatory for all vehicles
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
madagascar:
Indication may vary
tonga:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
tonga:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
tonga:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
madagascar:
Use is more frequent in urban areas
tonga:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
madagascar:
Significantly used for communication with other drivers
tonga:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
madagascar:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
tonga:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
madagascar:
Pull over to the side if necessary
tonga:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
When traveling in Madagascar and Tonga, understanding the distinct driving habits is crucial for ensuring a safe journey. Key differences include Madagascar's right-side driving and a lack of bus lanes, contrasted with Tonga's left-side navigation and structured speed limits. Familiarizing yourself with these variations can enhance your road experience abroad.
Alcohol
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.08% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | Zero tolerance | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common in urban areas | Common at specific times or checkpoints | |
| 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%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
madagascar:
0.02%
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
madagascar:
Common in urban areas
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
madagascar:
Can be substantial
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
madagascar:
Results in penalties
tonga:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
tonga:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
madagascar:
Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Emergency Services
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 117 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Could vary; commonly police contact | Contact local police | |
| 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
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
madagascar:
Could vary; commonly police contact
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
madagascar:
Varies by provider, public services might be limited
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
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| Madagascar | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines | Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police | |
| 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 | Mandatory; fines for non-compliance | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use while driving | Fines for handheld phone use while driving | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Monetary fines applied | Fines apply | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common for minor offenses | Common; fines usually paid immediately | |
| Payment: Deadline | Determined by issuing authority | Immediate payment preferred |
Common Fines: Speeding
madagascar:
Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Alcohol
madagascar:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels
tonga:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
madagascar:
Fines applicable for non-use
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
madagascar:
Fines applicable for use while driving
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
madagascar:
Monetary fines applied
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
madagascar:
Common for minor offenses
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
madagascar:
Determined by issuing authority
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred