Driving in Myanmar vs. United Kingdom: Key Differences
Embarking on a journey through Myanmar or the United Kingdom? Understanding the variations in traffic regulations and road etiquette is crucial for safe travels. Notably, Myanmar drives on the right side, while the UK adheres to left-hand driving. Additionally, speed limits and overtaking rules differ significantly, impacting your driving experience. Stay informed and drive safely!
Lanes
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left |
| 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 | Marks the edge on divided roads. | 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 | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No, overtaking is on the right. | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed as this is the side of overtaking. | Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Railroad crossings | Near schools |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Usually reserved for buses, some allow taxis. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled appropriately; road signs indicate usage. | Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Cyclists usually share the road with vehicles. | Mostly exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | 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. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
myanmar:
Right
united kingdom:
Left
Markings: Solid White Line
myanmar:
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
myanmar:
Marks the edge on divided roads.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
myanmar:
No crossing in either direction.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
myanmar:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Left
myanmar:
No, overtaking is on the right.
united kingdom:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
myanmar:
Allowed as this is the side of overtaking.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
myanmar:
Railroad crossings
united kingdom:
Near schools
Bus Lanes: Usage
myanmar:
Usually reserved for buses, some allow taxis.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
myanmar:
Labeled appropriately; road signs indicate usage.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
myanmar:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
myanmar:
Cyclists usually share the road with vehicles.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
myanmar:
N/A
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
myanmar:
No
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
myanmar:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
myanmar:
N/A
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-40 km/h | 30 mph |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 20 mph in some areas |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 60 mph |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60 km/h | 50 mph |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 50 km/h | 50 mph |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 70 mph |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 60 mph |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 60 mph |
| Speed Units | km/h | mph |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Not typically used; fines are usually mailed |
Urban Areas: Standard
myanmar:
30-40 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
myanmar:
30 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
myanmar:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
myanmar:
60 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
myanmar:
50 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
myanmar:
100 km/h
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
myanmar:
80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
myanmar:
70 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
myanmar:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
myanmar:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
myanmar:
N/A
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
myanmar:
Yes
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed
Signals
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Myanmar | Prepare to go, not used in the USA |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Burmese; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular or rectangular with red or yellow backgrounds | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
myanmar:
Not used in Myanmar
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
myanmar:
Signal when exiting
united kingdom:
Signal when entering and exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
myanmar:
Burmese; symbols are standard
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
myanmar:
Triangular or rectangular with red or yellow backgrounds
united kingdom:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited unless permitted by a sign | 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 | Prohibited unless permitted by signs | Allowed except where prohibited by signage |
Right Turn On Red
myanmar:
Prohibited unless permitted by a sign
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
myanmar:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
myanmar:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
myanmar:
Prohibited unless permitted by signs
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage
Documentation
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit often required alongside national license |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, periodic inspection required | MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Not displayed; records are electronic |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
myanmar:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
myanmar:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
myanmar:
Yes, periodic inspection required
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
myanmar:
Displayed on the windshield
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
myanmar:
Recommended
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
myanmar:
Recommended
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate use, more common in cities | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Move to the side and stop if necessary | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
myanmar:
Moderate use, more common in cities
united kingdom:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
myanmar:
Move to the side and stop if necessary
united kingdom:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
Alcohol
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.07% | 0.08% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Less common; often during festivals | Common; checkpoints used in some areas |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by severity; can be substantial | Substantial fines apply |
| Test Refusal | Can lead to arrest and fines | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
myanmar:
0.07%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
myanmar:
0.03%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
myanmar:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
myanmar:
Less common; often during festivals
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
myanmar:
Varies by severity; can be substantial
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Test Refusal
myanmar:
Can lead to arrest and fines
united kingdom:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit |
Signaling: Entering
myanmar:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Lane Usage: Right
myanmar:
Use for first exit or straight
united kingdom:
Use for first exit
Emergency Services
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 199 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local police | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Available through some insurance providers | Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
myanmar:
199
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
myanmar:
Contact local police
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
myanmar:
Available through some insurance providers
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
myanmar:
Recommended
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
myanmar:
Recommended
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Myanmar | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; small fines for minor overshoots | Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fine enforced; mandatory use | £100 fine |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for usage while driving | £200 and 6 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applied for violations | £100 fine and 3 penalty points |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; else must be paid at office | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 days to pay | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
myanmar:
Varies; small fines for minor overshoots
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Seat Belts
myanmar:
Fine enforced; mandatory use
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
myanmar:
Fines for usage while driving
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
myanmar:
Fines applied for violations
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
myanmar:
Possible; else must be paid at office
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
myanmar:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay