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Driving Differences: Myanmar vs Samoa for Safe Travel

When exploring the roads of Myanmar and Samoa, understanding their unique driving regulations is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include driving on opposite sides, varying speed limits, and different protocols for emergency vehicles. Familiarizing yourself with these crucial aspects will ensure a smoother and more secure experience on your travels in these distinct nations.

Lanes

Driving Side
myanmar:
Right
samoa:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
myanmar:
Marks the edge on divided roads.
samoa:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
myanmar:
No, overtaking is on the right.
samoa:
No
Overtaking: On Right
myanmar:
Allowed as this is the side of overtaking.
samoa:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Presence
myanmar:
Yes
samoa:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
myanmar:
Usually reserved for buses, some allow taxis.
samoa:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
myanmar:
Labeled appropriately; road signs indicate usage.
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Usage
myanmar:
Cyclists usually share the road with vehicles.
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
myanmar:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
myanmar:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
myanmar:
N/A
samoa:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
myanmar:
30-40 km/h
samoa:
25-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
myanmar:
30 km/h
samoa:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
myanmar:
80 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
myanmar:
60 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
myanmar:
50 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
myanmar:
100 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
myanmar:
80 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
myanmar:
70 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
myanmar:
N/A
samoa:
N/A

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
myanmar:
Not used in Myanmar
samoa:
Not used in Samoa
Traffic Signs: Language
myanmar:
Burmese; symbols are standard
samoa:
English and Samoan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
myanmar:
Triangular or rectangular with red or yellow backgrounds
samoa:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
myanmar:
Prohibited unless permitted by a sign
samoa:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
myanmar:
Prohibited unless permitted by signs
samoa:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
myanmar:
Yes, periodic inspection required
samoa:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
myanmar:
Displayed on the windshield
samoa:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
myanmar:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
myanmar:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
myanmar:
Moderate use, more common in cities
samoa:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
myanmar:
Move to the side and stop if necessary
samoa:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
myanmar:
0.07%
samoa:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
myanmar:
0.03%
samoa:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
myanmar:
0.00%
samoa:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
myanmar:
Less common; often during festivals
samoa:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
myanmar:
Varies by severity; can be substantial
samoa:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
myanmar:
Can lead to arrest and fines
samoa:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
myanmar:
Signal right when preparing to exit
samoa:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
myanmar:
199
samoa:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
myanmar:
Contact local police
samoa:
685-22-222
Contact: Roadside Assistance
myanmar:
Available through some insurance providers
samoa:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
myanmar:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
myanmar:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
myanmar:
Varies; small fines for minor overshoots
samoa:
Varies; ST$50 to ST$500, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
myanmar:
Fine enforced; mandatory use
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$200
Common Fines: Phone Use
myanmar:
Fines for usage while driving
samoa:
ST$50 to ST$300
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
myanmar:
Fines applied for violations
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$500, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
myanmar:
Possible; else must be paid at office
samoa:
Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards