Driving in the Maldives vs. United Kingdom: Key Differences
When navigating the roads of the Maldives versus the United Kingdom, you'll encounter notable contrasts in traffic regulations and safety protocols. From lane markings and speed limits to the use of indicators and alcohol consumption thresholds, understanding these variations is crucial for a secure driving experience abroad. Explore the essential distinctions to ensure your journey is both safe and enjoyable.
Lanes
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid White Line | No crossing or lane changes allowed. | Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle). |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited. | Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions. |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | No crossing in either direction. | Do not cross or straddle in either direction. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives. | Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and legal. | Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Railroad crossings | Near schools |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | May be designated with road signs or markings. | Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Minimal | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits. | Mostly exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Usually not specifically marked in many areas. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid White Line
maldives:
No crossing or lane changes allowed.
united kingdom:
Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle).
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
maldives:
Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
maldives:
No crossing in either direction.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
maldives:
Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Left
maldives:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
maldives:
Yes, when safe and legal.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
maldives:
Railroad crossings
united kingdom:
Near schools
Bus Lanes: Presence
maldives:
Limited
united kingdom:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
maldives:
Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
maldives:
May be designated with road signs or markings.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
maldives:
Minimal
united kingdom:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
maldives:
Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
maldives:
Usually not specifically marked in many areas.
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
maldives:
No
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
maldives:
Not applicable
united kingdom:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
maldives:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
maldives:
Not applicable
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30 km/h | 30 mph |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 20 mph in some areas |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 60 mph |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 50 mph |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 50 mph |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | Not applicable | 70 mph |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | Not applicable | 60 mph |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | Not applicable | 60 mph |
| Speed Units | km/h | mph |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common | Not typically used; fines are usually mailed |
Urban Areas: Standard
maldives:
30 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
maldives:
25 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
maldives:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
maldives:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
maldives:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
maldives:
Not applicable
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
maldives:
Not applicable
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
maldives:
Not applicable
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
maldives:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
maldives:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
maldives:
Not applicable
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
maldives:
Common
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed
Signals
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used in Maldives | Prepare to go, not used in the USA |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies | Only in cases to avoid accidents |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Country-specific shapes and colors | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
maldives:
Not commonly used in Maldives
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
maldives:
Signal when exiting
united kingdom:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
maldives:
Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies
united kingdom:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Traffic Signs: Language
maldives:
Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
maldives:
Country-specific shapes and colors
united kingdom:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless signed | Not permitted in the UK |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Left turns permitted; use caution |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated | Allowed except where prohibited by signage |
| Special Turn Lanes | Limited, mainly at main intersections | Yes, marked with arrows |
Right Turn On Red
maldives:
Not allowed unless signed
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
maldives:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
maldives:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
maldives:
Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage
Special Turn Lanes
maldives:
Limited, mainly at main intersections
united kingdom:
Yes, marked with arrows
Documentation
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted with International Driving Permit | Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit often required alongside national license |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Periodic checks required | MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Usually displayed on the vehicle | Not displayed; records are electronic |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
maldives:
Periodic checks required
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
maldives:
Usually displayed on the vehicle
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Road Etiquette
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary |
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
maldives:
Common practice
united kingdom:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
maldives:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
united kingdom:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
Alcohol
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Less common | Common; checkpoints used in some areas |
| Enforcement: Fines | Fines can be substantial | Substantial fines apply |
Limits: General Drivers
maldives:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
maldives:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
maldives:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
maldives:
Less common
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
maldives:
Fines can be substantial
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Roundabouts
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight |
| Lane Usage: Right | Appropriate lanes as per signage | Use for first exit |
| Lane Usage: Left | Appropriate lanes as per signage | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Signaling: Entering
maldives:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Lane Usage: Right
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
united kingdom:
Use for first exit
Lane Usage: Left
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
united kingdom:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local police for traffic issues | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA |
Contact: General Emergency
maldives:
119
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
maldives:
Contact local police for traffic issues
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
maldives:
Check with your insurance provider
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Penalties And Fines
| Maldives | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines start from MVR 750 | Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties including license suspension | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply for non-compliance | £100 fine |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for use without hands-free | £200 and 6 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Substantial fines | £100 fine and 3 penalty points |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor offenses | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within a specified time | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
maldives:
Varies; fines start from MVR 750
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Alcohol
maldives:
Severe penalties including license suspension
united kingdom:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
maldives:
Fines apply for non-compliance
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
maldives:
Fines for use without hands-free
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
maldives:
Substantial fines
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
maldives:
Possible for minor offenses
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
maldives:
Varies; typically within a specified time
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay