Driving in Maldives vs. Sri Lanka: Key Safety Differences
When exploring the roads of the Maldives and Sri Lanka, it's essential to understand their unique regulations and practices. Key distinctions include speed limits in urban areas and lane usage for cyclists and buses. Familiarizing yourself with these driving nuances ensures a safer journey in both beautiful countries.
Driving Side
The driving side in maldives is the Right Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in maldives is 96
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for maldives is 0.908 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited. | Marks the right edge on divided roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and legal. | Allowed when safe. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations. | Reserved for buses. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | May be designated with road signs or markings. | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Minimal | No | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits. | Bicycles often share lanes with other vehicles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Usually not specifically marked in many areas. | N/A | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | Speed limits remain constant unless otherwise posted. |
Speeds Limits
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30 km/h | 50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 70 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 60 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | Not applicable | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | Not applicable | 80 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | Not applicable | 80 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | N/A | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common | Yes; fines are applied at the time of citation |
Signals
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used in Maldives | Not used in Sri Lanka | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies | Only in cases to avoid accidents | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Used more frequently in rural areas | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard | Sinhala, Tamil, and sometimes English; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Country-specific shapes and colors | Triangular shape with a red border and a white background |
Turns
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless signed | Not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated | Allowed unless prohibited by signs | |
| Special Turn Lanes | Limited, mainly at main intersections | Yes, marked with arrows |
Documentation
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit required | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Periodic checks required | Yes, proof required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Usually displayed on the vehicle | Displayed on windshield |
Road Etiquette
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use compared to some countries |
When exploring the roads of the Maldives and Sri Lanka, it's essential to understand their unique regulations and practices. Key distinctions include speed limits in urban areas and lane usage for cyclists and buses. Familiarizing yourself with these driving nuances ensures a safer journey in both beautiful countries.
Alcohol
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.06% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.00% - zero tolerance | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Less common | Common; checkpoints used regularly | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Fines can be substantial | Can be substantial |
Roundabouts
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal left when preparing to exit | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Appropriate lanes as per signage | Use for first exit or straight | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Appropriate lanes as per signage | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Emergency Services
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local police for traffic issues | 119 or contact local police |
Penalties And Fines
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| Maldives | Sri lanka | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines start from MVR 750 | Varies; expect substantial fines | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties including license suspension | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply for non-compliance | Fines applied; amount may vary | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for use without hands-free | Fines applied; amount may vary | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Substantial fines | Fines applied; amount may vary | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor offenses | Possible; fines may be paid on the spot | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within a specified time | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |