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Driving in Malaysia vs Samoa: Key Safety Differences

Driving in Malaysia and Samoa presents distinct variances that are crucial for ensuring a safe journey. Key aspects such as lane markings, speed limits, and emergency contacts differ significantly, affecting how drivers navigate these roads. Understanding these contrasts is essential for a secure experience while traveling abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
malaysia:
Marks the division between lanes of opposite directions.
samoa:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
malaysia:
List length: 4
samoa:
List length: 5
Bus Lanes: Presence
malaysia:
Yes
samoa:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
malaysia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
samoa:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
malaysia:
Labeled 'BAS' or 'BUS'; often with road signs.
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
malaysia:
Yes
samoa:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
malaysia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
malaysia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
samoa:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
malaysia:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malaysia:
N/A
samoa:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
malaysia:
30-60 km/h
samoa:
25-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
malaysia:
30 km/h
samoa:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
malaysia:
90-110 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malaysia:
N/A
samoa:
N/A

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
malaysia:
Not used in Malaysia
samoa:
Not used in Samoa
Traffic Signs: Language
malaysia:
Malay and English; symbols are standard
samoa:
English and Samoan; symbols are standard

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
malaysia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
samoa:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
malaysia:
Required yearly for roadworthiness
samoa:
Annual inspection required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malaysia:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malaysia:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
malaysia:
0.04%
samoa:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
malaysia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
samoa:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
malaysia:
Common; checkpoints used nationwide
samoa:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
malaysia:
Substantial fines
samoa:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
malaysia:
999
samoa:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
malaysia:
999
samoa:
685-22-222
Contact: Roadside Assistance
malaysia:
Check with your insurance provider or Motoring Services
samoa:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malaysia:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malaysia:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
malaysia:
Varies; RM150 and above
samoa:
Varies; ST$50 to ST$500, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$200
Common Fines: Phone Use
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
samoa:
ST$50 to ST$300
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
malaysia:
Varies; fines and points on license
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$500, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
malaysia:
Yes; can also be paid online or at local stations
samoa:
Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards