Malaysia traffic rules and self driving car rental tips | QEEQ
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The complete Malaysia driving and rental guide

High-quality roads and relatively cheap fuel price make Malaysia a pleasant country for a road trip. Travelling around Malaysia is facilitated by the fact that English is widely used in important public places, such as tourist attractions, airports, railway stations and immigration checkpoints. Here is a brief driving guide aiming at easing your mind when planning a trip to Malaysia.
  • Speed Limit and Traffic Signs

    Driving in Malaysia is on the left, as road and cars follow the British system. Highways or expressways feature frequent resting areas with gas stations and restaurants. Driving in the country’s largest cities such as Kuala Lumpur can sometimes be challenging due to the dense traffic and one-way roads.

    • Speed Limit

      There are speed limits of 110 km/h on expressways, 90 km/h on state and federal roads and 60 km/h in town areas.

    • Traffic Signs

      There are three major types of traffic signs in Malaysia: warning, regulatory and information signs. 


      Warning signs are diamond-shaped and feature yellow and black colours, with a few exceptions. 

      Malaysia_Traffic_Signs_Obstacles_AheadObstacles AheadMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Climbing_LaneClimbing LaneMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Descent_LaneDescent LaneMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Caution_HumpCaution! HumpMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Level_crossing_without_gate_aheadLevel Crossing Without Gate AheadMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Level_crossing_with_gate_aheadLevel Crossing With Gate AheadMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Caution_Accident_Area_signCaution! Accident Area Sign

      Malaysian regulatory signs are usually circular with a white background, a red border, and black pictograms, and are sometimes written in Malay.

      Malaysia_Traffic_Signs_Stop_SignStop Sign
      Malaysia_Traffic_Signs_Stop_Children_CrossingStop, Children CrossingMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Give_way_yieldGive way/YieldMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_No_overtakingNo OvertakingMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Speed_LimitSpeed Limit

      Malaysian information signs feature a square shape with various colour backgrounds.

      Malaysia_Traffic_Signs_HospitalHospitalMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_ClinicClinicMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Rest_and_Service_AeaRest and Service AreaMalaysia_Traffic_Signs_Information_CentreInformation Centre

      You may refer to this comprehensive road signs of Malaysia.

  • Seatbelt and Child Safety

    • Seatbelt Laws

      The driver and passengers sitting in the front or rear are required by law to wear a seatbelt.

    • Booster Seat Laws

      All children must wear a seat belt when travelling in Malaysia and it is against the law for a child under 4 years of age to sit in the front seat. At present, children are not required by law to be seated in a child car seat. However, this is is expected to be compulsory by 2019.

  • Parking, Fuel and Toll

    • Parking

      Parking areas are designated zones in Malaysia. Some parking areas are municipal and others are private. It is advisable to check with your hotel to see if there is a secure parking space in cities like Kuala Lumpur.


      · Forbidden Parking


      You cannot park your car in the following spaces. Failure to do so may result in a fine: 


      - Specified by a ‘No-Parking’ sign with a red border, blue background and a red diagonal line, indicating this is a strict no parking area

      UK_Traffic_Signs_No_waiting


      - With Single and double yellow lines at the side of the road.


      - On areas that are tow-away and clamping zones.

      Malaysia No Parking Tow Zone(Image from veelzijdigmaleisie.nl)


      · Paid Parking


      Municipal parkings use metres and which need to be paid with coins. Coins accepted by parking metreers are 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents. Some municipal car parks do not have parking metres but collect the fee manually.

      Malaysia Parking Metre(Image from media.themalaymailonline.com)

    • Fuel Prices

      The average price for Malaysia gasoline during August to November 2017 is of 2.2 Malaysian Riggit per litre, while diesel average price is at 2.35.

    • Toll

      Malay has abandoned cash as payment for tolls in expressways since the 14th of August 2017, and utilized Electronic Toll Collection(ETC). Touch 'n Go is the most used electronic payment options. You can purchase the Touch 'n Go Card at relevant hubs, selected petrol stations, selected PETRONAS Stations, LRT Stations and third party agents. Alternatively, you can buy one form the Touch 'n Go Sales Counters located at highways such as PLUS, ELITE, Ampang KL Elevated Highway, Penang Bridge, Besraya, SILK, Linkedua, New Pantai Expressway, Metramac and Shapadu.

      Malaysia Touch 'n Go Card(Image from comparehero.my)

  • Traffic Violation

    • DUI Laws

      A driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol in Malaysia if the blood alcohol level is equal to or over 0.8 grams per litre (g/l). The penalty for the offender is a fine, a court case, or sentencing with a fine and imprisonment of three months to a year depending on the severity of the offence.

    • Traffic Fines

      Incorrect parking or speeding in Malaysia frequently result in a fine.


      The speed penalties are given according to the difference of the driven speed and the enforced speed limit. Speed limit excess from 1 to 25 km/h will result in an RM80 fine, whereas an excess from 26 to 40 km/h will lead to an RM150 fine and an excess over 40 km/h will trigger an RM300 fine. 


      To avoid parking fine, always look for parking metres when you have found a parking spot. Fines for failing to display a ticket in a regulated parking bay or car park are issued and collected by the Municipal Council or company responsible for the parking facility. Note that your parking or speeding fines will be collected by the car hire company and debited from your credit card if you fail to pay one. You are always welcomed to contact QEEQ' 24/7 customer service for help in if you have any questions concerning this matter. 

  • Driving Licence and Age Requirements

    Foreigners on short term visit may rent a car and drive with a valid foreign driving licence in Malaysia. The licence should be a full driving licence held for at least 2 years with no major endorsement. 


    The minimum driving age in Malaysia is 21 years, but driving age may vary by car category. Each car hire company has its own age requirements. 

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*Please be aware that rules are subject to change. QEEQ.COM will try the best to maintain the accuracy of this information.

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