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Driving in Malaysia vs. Nigeria: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the roads of Malaysia and Nigeria, understanding the nuances of their driving regulations is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include driving on the left in Malaysia versus the right in Nigeria, varying speed limits, and unique road markings. Arm yourself with this knowledge to navigate both countries confidently.

Lanes

Driving Side
malaysia:
Left
nigeria:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
malaysia:
Marks the division between lanes of opposite directions.
nigeria:
Used as a divider on major roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
malaysia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
nigeria:
Not commonly used; overtaking may be allowed on overtaking lanes.
Overtaking: On Left
malaysia:
No
nigeria:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
malaysia:
Yes
nigeria:
Only where permitted and safe.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
malaysia:
List length: 4
nigeria:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
malaysia:
Use leftmost lane.
nigeria:
Use rightmost lane where applicable.
Bus Lanes: Usage
malaysia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
nigeria:
Reserved mainly for BRT buses in certain cities.
Bus Lanes: Markings
malaysia:
Labeled 'BAS' or 'BUS'; often with road signs.
nigeria:
May be labeled 'BRT' or demarcated with other markers; signs often indicate lanes.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
malaysia:
Yes
nigeria:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
malaysia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
nigeria:
Bicycles and motorbikes often share roads with cars.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
malaysia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
nigeria:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
malaysia:
N/A
nigeria:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malaysia:
N/A
nigeria:
Not commonly used

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
malaysia:
30-60 km/h
nigeria:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
malaysia:
30 km/h
nigeria:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
nigeria:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
nigeria:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
nigeria:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
malaysia:
90-110 km/h
nigeria:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
nigeria:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
nigeria:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malaysia:
N/A
nigeria:
Not commonly used
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
malaysia:
Yes
nigeria:
Rare, mostly manual enforcement
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
malaysia:
Yes
nigeria:
Yes, common practice

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
malaysia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
nigeria:
Proceed with caution, yield to other road users
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
malaysia:
Not used in Malaysia
nigeria:
Not commonly used
Horn Usage: Allowed
malaysia:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
nigeria:
Often used to signal presence or warning
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
malaysia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
nigeria:
Discouraged at night in residential areas
Horn Usage: Penalties
malaysia:
Fines may apply for misuse
nigeria:
Rare but can apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
malaysia:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
nigeria:
To indicate overtaking or to warn other drivers
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
malaysia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
nigeria:
Not for other messages
Hand Signals: Common Usage
malaysia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
nigeria:
More common in certain areas
Traffic Signs: Language
malaysia:
Malay and English; symbols are standard
nigeria:
English; symbols can vary
Traffic Signs: Warning
malaysia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
nigeria:
Triangular with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
malaysia:
Not allowed
nigeria:
Generally not allowed unless indicated
U- Turns Allowed
malaysia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
nigeria:
Varies by locality; check for signs
Special Turn Lanes
malaysia:
Yes, marked with arrows
nigeria:
Rarely marked

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
malaysia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
nigeria:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
malaysia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
nigeria:
International Driving Permit recommended
Insurance
malaysia:
Liability insurance mandatory
nigeria:
Third party insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
malaysia:
Required yearly for roadworthiness
nigeria:
Yes, annual vehicle inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
malaysia:
Displayed on windshield
nigeria:
Displayed on the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malaysia:
Recommended
nigeria:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malaysia:
Recommended
nigeria:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Misuse
malaysia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
nigeria:
Discouraged
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
malaysia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
nigeria:
Sometimes observed, depending on traffic and location
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
malaysia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
nigeria:
Discouraged and can lead to fines
Use Of Horn: Limited
malaysia:
Only in emergency situations
nigeria:
Commonly used, but officially for emergencies
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
malaysia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
nigeria:
Frequent use, similar to some other countries
Pedestrians Priority
malaysia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
nigeria:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks, but may not be strictly enforced
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
malaysia:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
nigeria:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
malaysia:
0.08%
nigeria:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
malaysia:
0.04%
nigeria:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
malaysia:
Common; checkpoints used nationwide
nigeria:
Occasional roadblocks
Enforcement: Fines
malaysia:
Substantial fines
nigeria:
Fines vary across states
Enforcement: Imprisonment
malaysia:
Possible for severe offenses
nigeria:
Possible for repeated or severe offenses
Test Refusal
malaysia:
Can result in license suspension
nigeria:
Likely to result in arrest or fines

Roundabouts

Priority: Inside
malaysia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
nigeria:
Maintain lane, avoid abrupt lane changes
Signaling: Entering
malaysia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
nigeria:
Signal appropriately when entering if turning
Signaling: Exiting
malaysia:
Signal left when preparing to exit
nigeria:
Signal when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
malaysia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
nigeria:
Use for subsequent exits

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
malaysia:
999
nigeria:
112 or 199
Contact: Traffic Police
malaysia:
999
nigeria:
Varies by region; check local contact
Contact: Roadside Assistance
malaysia:
Check with your insurance provider or Motoring Services
nigeria:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malaysia:
Recommended
nigeria:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malaysia:
Recommended
nigeria:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
malaysia:
Varies; RM150 and above
nigeria:
Varies; can be heavy fine, often on-the-spot
Common Fines: Alcohol
malaysia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
nigeria:
Varies; fines and potential jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
nigeria:
Fine for not wearing; enforcement varies
Common Fines: Phone Use
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
nigeria:
Fines apply; hands-free concept encouraged
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
malaysia:
Varies; fines and points on license
nigeria:
Fines imposed; traffic light cameras in some areas
Payment: On The Spot
malaysia:
Yes; can also be paid online or at local stations
nigeria:
Common; usually with cash
Payment: Deadline
malaysia:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
nigeria:
Varies by offense