Driving in Malta vs. Panama: Key Differences Explained
When navigating the roads of Malta and Panama, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that significantly impact their travel experience. Notably, Malta drives on the left while Panama adheres to the right. Additionally, varying speed limits and traffic protocols highlight the importance of understanding these contrasts for a secure journey abroad.
Driving Side
The driving side in malta is the Left Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in malta is 94
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for malta is 1.391 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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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on some divided roads. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Often used to indicate parking restrictions. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and emergency vehicles. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Yes, in some urban areas | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared use with caution, marked on roads. | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | N/A |
Speeds Limits
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 25-30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | N/A | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation | Common |
Signals
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Malta | Not used in Panama | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English and Maltese; symbols are standard | Spanish; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular-shaped with a white background or yellow. | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Turns
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Generally not allowed |
Documentation
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual vehicle inspection required | Mandatory every two years for new cars | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield. | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use, especially in urban areas | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
When navigating the roads of Malta and Panama, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that significantly impact their travel experience. Notably, Malta drives on the left while Panama adheres to the right. Additionally, varying speed limits and traffic protocols highlight the importance of understanding these contrasts for a secure journey abroad.
Alcohol
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance | 0.00% (zero tolerance) | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints used in some areas | Common, especially during weekends | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Reasonably enforced; can be substantial | Varies; can be substantial |
Roundabouts
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
Emergency Services
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 112 for emergencies | 104 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or AA Malta | Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended but not mandatory | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended but not mandatory | Recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Malta | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically €35 to €70, points on license | Varies; $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines and possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Typically around €50, points may apply | $25 to $75 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Typically around €100, points on license | Varies; fines and points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Typically around €100, points on license | $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail | Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15 days to pay | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |