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Driving Differences: Malaysia vs. Vietnam Explained

When navigating the roads of Malaysia and Vietnam, understanding the distinct regulations and practices can significantly enhance your travel experience. Key variances include driving on different sides of the road, unique speed limits, and varied penalties for traffic violations. This guide is designed to illuminate these essential aspects, ensuring a safer journey in either country.

Lanes

Driving Side
malaysia:
Left
vietnam:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
malaysia:
Marks the division between lanes of opposite directions.
vietnam:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Left
malaysia:
No
vietnam:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
malaysia:
Yes
vietnam:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
malaysia:
List length: 4
vietnam:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
malaysia:
Use leftmost lane.
vietnam:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Markings
malaysia:
Labeled 'BAS' or 'BUS'; often with road signs.
vietnam:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
malaysia:
30-60 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
malaysia:
30 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
malaysia:
70-90 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
malaysia:
90-110 km/h
vietnam:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
vietnam:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
malaysia:
80-90 km/h
vietnam:
80-100 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
malaysia:
Yes
vietnam:
Common

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
malaysia:
Not used in Malaysia
vietnam:
Not used in Vietnam
Horn Usage: Allowed
malaysia:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
vietnam:
Commonly used in urban areas
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
malaysia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
vietnam:
Limited restriction
Horn Usage: Penalties
malaysia:
Fines may apply for misuse
vietnam:
Fines in some areas for excessive use
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
malaysia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
vietnam:
Discouraged for signaling other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
malaysia:
Malay and English; symbols are standard
vietnam:
Vietnamese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
malaysia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
vietnam:
Triangle-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
malaysia:
Not allowed
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
malaysia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
malaysia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
malaysia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
malaysia:
Required yearly for roadworthiness
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
malaysia:
Displayed on windshield
vietnam:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malaysia:
Recommended
vietnam:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malaysia:
Recommended
vietnam:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
malaysia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
vietnam:
Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
malaysia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
vietnam:
Expected in congested traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
malaysia:
Only in emergency situations
vietnam:
Common but limited by law in cities
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
malaysia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
vietnam:
Frequent use compared to Western countries
Pedestrians Priority
malaysia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
vietnam:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
malaysia:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
vietnam:
Pull over and stop, if possible

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
malaysia:
0.08%
vietnam:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
malaysia:
0.04%
vietnam:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
malaysia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Random Checks
malaysia:
Common; checkpoints used nationwide
vietnam:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
malaysia:
Substantial fines
vietnam:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
malaysia:
Signal left when preparing to exit
vietnam:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
malaysia:
999
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
malaysia:
999
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
malaysia:
Check with your insurance provider or Motoring Services
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malaysia:
Recommended
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malaysia:
Recommended
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
malaysia:
Varies; RM150 and above
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
malaysia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
malaysia:
RM300, points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
malaysia:
Varies; fines and points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
malaysia:
Yes; can also be paid online or at local stations
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
malaysia:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days