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. 

  Obstacles Ahead

  Climbing Lane

  Descent Lane

  Caution! Hump

  Level Crossing Without Gate Ahead

  Level Crossing With Gate Ahead

  Caution! 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.

  Stop Sign

  Stop, Children Crossing

  Give way/Yield

  No Overtaking

  Speed Limit

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

  Hospital

  Clinic

  Rest and Service Area

  Information Centre

  You may refer to this comprehensive road signs of Malaysia.

• 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

  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

  

  
  

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

  
  

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

  (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.

  (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.

  (Image from comparehero.my)

• 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. 

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.