Driving in Madagascar vs. Vanuatu: Key Safety Differences
When exploring the unique driving landscapes of Madagascar and Vanuatu, distinct contrasts emerge in road etiquette, speed regulations, and vehicle protocols. For instance, while Madagascar features mandatory lane usage for slow vehicles, Vanuatu emphasizes shared road use for cyclists. Understanding these variances is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance while navigating these captivating destinations.
Lanes
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved mostly for buses. | Not applicable in Vanuatu. |
| 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. | Bicycles generally share the road with cars. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | Not applicable in Vanuatu. |
| Lane Change: Signal Mandatory | Yes, when possible. | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are fixed. | Not commonly used in Vanuatu. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
madagascar:
Typically not used.
vanuatu:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Right
madagascar:
Not recommended; local conditions may vary.
vanuatu:
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.
vanuatu:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Available mainly in urban areas
vanuatu:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Reserved mostly for buses.
vanuatu:
Not applicable in Vanuatu.
Bus Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
May be marked clearly in major cities.
vanuatu:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Sparse
vanuatu:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Shared with vehicles unless marked.
vanuatu:
Bicycles generally share the road with cars.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
madagascar:
N/A
vanuatu:
Not applicable in Vanuatu.
Lane Change: Signal Mandatory
madagascar:
Yes, when possible.
vanuatu:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Speed limits are fixed.
vanuatu:
Not commonly used in Vanuatu.
Speeds Limits
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-40 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 | 50-80 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | Not commonly used in Vanuatu. |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes, particularly in urban areas. | Rare |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common. | Yes; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
madagascar:
50 km/h
vanuatu:
30-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
madagascar:
50 km/h
vanuatu:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Not applicable
vanuatu:
Not commonly used in Vanuatu.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
madagascar:
Yes, particularly in urban areas.
vanuatu:
Rare
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
madagascar:
Yes, common.
vanuatu:
Yes; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used | Not used in Vanuatu |
| 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; 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
vanuatu:
Not used in Vanuatu
Horn Usage: Allowed
madagascar:
Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling
vanuatu:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
madagascar:
Excessive use discouraged
vanuatu:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
madagascar:
May apply for misuse
vanuatu:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
madagascar:
To warn other drivers or signal overtaking
vanuatu:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Hand Signals: Common Usage
madagascar:
Occasionally used, especially in rural areas
vanuatu:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
madagascar:
French and Malagasy
vanuatu:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
madagascar:
Triangular signs with red borders
vanuatu:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
Turns
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Not typically allowed |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited unless specified otherwise | Varies; check local regulations and signs |
Right Turn On Red
madagascar:
Prohibited
vanuatu:
Not typically allowed
U- Turns Allowed
madagascar:
Prohibited unless specified otherwise
vanuatu:
Varies; check local regulations and signs
Documentation
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Third-party insurance mandatory |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory for all vehicles | Required; proof may be checked during traffic stops |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Indication may vary | No standard requirement |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Recommended but not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
vanuatu:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
vanuatu:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Insurance
madagascar:
Liability insurance mandatory
vanuatu:
Third-party insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
madagascar:
Mandatory for all vehicles
vanuatu:
Required; proof may be checked during traffic stops
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
madagascar:
Indication may vary
vanuatu:
No standard requirement
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
vanuatu:
Recommended but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
vanuatu:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 to the side and stop, if necessary |
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
madagascar:
Common practice, particularly in heavy traffic
vanuatu:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
madagascar:
Use is more frequent in urban areas
vanuatu:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
madagascar:
Significantly used for communication with other drivers
vanuatu:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
madagascar:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
vanuatu:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
madagascar:
Pull over to the side if necessary
vanuatu:
Pull to the side and stop, if necessary
Alcohol
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.05% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% - zero tolerance |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common in urban areas | Occasional |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | Fines can be substantial |
| Test Refusal | Results in penalties | Can lead to penalties including fines or arrest |
Limits: General Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
vanuatu:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
vanuatu:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
madagascar:
0.02%
vanuatu:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
madagascar:
Common in urban areas
vanuatu:
Occasional
Enforcement: Fines
madagascar:
Can be substantial
vanuatu:
Fines can be substantial
Test Refusal
madagascar:
Results in penalties
vanuatu:
Can lead to penalties including fines or arrest
Roundabouts
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
vanuatu:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
madagascar:
Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit
vanuatu:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Emergency Services
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 117 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Could vary; commonly police contact | 112 for general assistance |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Varies by provider, public services might be limited | Check with your insurance provider or local agencies |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
madagascar:
117
vanuatu:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
madagascar:
Could vary; commonly police contact
vanuatu:
112 for general assistance
Contact: Roadside Assistance
madagascar:
Varies by provider, public services might be limited
vanuatu:
Check with your insurance provider or local agencies
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
vanuatu:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
vanuatu:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Madagascar | Vanuatu | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines | Varies; can be significant |
| 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 | Fines apply |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use while driving | Fines apply for use while driving |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Monetary fines applied | Fines applicable |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common for minor offenses | Possible; or through police stations |
| Payment: Deadline | Determined by issuing authority | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
madagascar:
Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines
vanuatu:
Varies; can be significant
Common Fines: Alcohol
madagascar:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels
vanuatu:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
madagascar:
Fines applicable for non-use
vanuatu:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
madagascar:
Fines applicable for use while driving
vanuatu:
Fines apply for use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
madagascar:
Monetary fines applied
vanuatu:
Fines applicable
Payment: On The Spot
madagascar:
Common for minor offenses
vanuatu:
Possible; or through police stations
Payment: Deadline
madagascar:
Determined by issuing authority
vanuatu:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay