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Driving Safety: Malaysia vs. Tonga - Key Differences

When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances of road regulations is essential for ensuring safety. This comparison between Malaysia and Tonga reveals significant contrasts, such as overtaking rules and speed limits. While Malaysia features dedicated bus and cycle lanes, Tonga focuses on simpler traffic guidelines, making it crucial to familiarize yourself with these distinct driving customs before hitting the road.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
malaysia:
Marks the division between lanes of opposite directions.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Overtaking: On Left
malaysia:
No
tonga:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
malaysia:
Yes
tonga:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
malaysia:
List length: 4
tonga:
List length: 5
Bus Lanes: Presence
malaysia:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
malaysia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
malaysia:
Labeled 'BAS' or 'BUS'; often with road signs.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
malaysia:
Yes
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
malaysia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
malaysia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
malaysia:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malaysia:
N/A
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
malaysia:
30-60 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
malaysia:
30 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
malaysia:
90-110 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malaysia:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
malaysia:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
malaysia:
Yes
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
malaysia:
Not used in Malaysia
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
malaysia:
Signal when exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Traffic Signs: Language
malaysia:
Malay and English; symbols are standard
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
malaysia:
Not allowed
tonga:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
malaysia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
malaysia:
Required yearly for roadworthiness
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malaysia:
Recommended
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malaysia:
Recommended
tonga:
Not mandatory

Alcohol

Limits: Underage Drivers
malaysia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
malaysia:
Common; checkpoints used nationwide
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
malaysia:
Substantial fines
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
malaysia:
999
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
malaysia:
999
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
malaysia:
Check with your insurance provider or Motoring Services
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malaysia:
Recommended
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malaysia:
Recommended
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
malaysia:
Varies; RM150 and above
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Seat Belts
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
malaysia:
Varies; fines and points on license
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
malaysia:
Yes; can also be paid online or at local stations
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
malaysia:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred