Some Rules & Regulations

• The road signs in Malaysia are in accordance with the international road signs, so despite the occasional Malay words, most foreigners should be able to understand basic traffic signs.
• The slow lane is the very left hand lane on a three lane road. That being said, for some reason most drive in the middle or fast lane. The fast lane is the right most lane, however, many slow vehicles will remain in the fast lane despite other motorist's honking and flashing lights.
• In general, the speed limit around town is always between 50kmph-70kmph, but when you're on the North-South highway the speed limit is 110kmph. With increasing numbers of road accidents, especially during the festive seasons, the number of strategically-placed speed cameras and traps are increasing.
• Motorcyclists high speed and seeming disregard for safety can be unnerving for new drivers. An important tip is to know that red traffic lights don't always mean "stop". If the light has just changed, it is best to proceed with caution, as many motorbikes (and cars) will continue to go through the intersection.
  Overall, the authorities are taking increasing steps to reduce road fatalities and punish those that break the rules.

Your are allowed to drive on Malaysian raods if you have a valid driver's license from any country in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). If not, International driver's licenses are available. You may drive in Malaysia with an International license, however, it is only legal to do so for the first 3 months. After 3 months, you will need to get a Malaysian driver's license. It is important to realise, however, that many foreigners report complications with the International licenses and Malaysian police. You may still be issued a ticket even if you're within the 3 month timeframe if a police officer chooses to disregard your International license. For this reason, it is advisable to obtain a Malaysian driver's license as soon as possible if you plan on driving for an extended period of time. If you currently possess an American or British license, you can go to the Putrajaya JPJ (Road Transport Department) office with the following required documents:

• Identity card/Passport (original and copy)
• Original and copy of work permit and foreign driving license
• 1 colour photograph (25 mm x 32 mm)
• Translation of the foreign driving license from the relevant foreign embassy (if details of the license are in languages other than English)

It will take about 2 weeks for your license to be ready. You will then go to the JPJ office and collect the license with the RM50 to cover the appropriate fees.

Road Transport Department, Pejabat JPJ, Bahagian Lesen Memandu, Aras 3, Block D 4 Parcel D, 66620 Putrajaya. Tel: 03 8886 6400

If you do not possess an American or British driver's license permit, you will need to send your applications to the Driver Licensing Division, RTD Headquarters for approval. Exact requirements, however, are subject to change and you should seek the advice of your embassy or driving school for the procedure on changing your license.

Review maps and other visitor information before leaving the rental car area or other location. Reading a map while driving is dangerous and can indicate you are unfamiliar with the area. Always ask for directions before leaving the rental counter.

At airports, rental car plazas or other transportation terminals, do not leave luggage unattended. If there is more than one person in your party, assign someone to stay with the bags. Only the renter and any additional drivers are required to rent the car.

Familiarize yourself with the vehicle's safety equipment, including hazard lights, windshield wipers, the spare tire, seat belts and door locks. Always be alert to your surroundings and know how to reach your destination prior to your departure.

Make sure the vehicle always has plenty of gasoline.

Don't stop if a passing motorist tells you that something is wrong with your vehicle or if someone bumps you from behind. Pull into the nearest service station or well-lit public area. Call the police.

At stoplights, leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you in case you must pull away quickly. Always keep doors locked and windows rolled up when driving or when parked. Keep valuables in the trunk or in the locked glove compartment.

Learn emergency vehicles' signals. Police lights are red and blue. Do not stop for flashing white headlights alone. Do not resist in the rare event that a stranger demands your valuables. Your well-being is more important than your belongings. Always use seat belts. It is the law and may save your life in the event of an accident.

Don't pick up hitchhikers under any circumstances. Always be aware of the pedestrian traffic around your vehicle. Always park in a well-lit area. Have car keys in hand and check in and around the car before entering.

Don't take shortcuts to save time or exit expressways prematurely to save tolls. Tolls are a nominal charge, change is available at many booths, and your safety is most important.

Use automated teller machines only in busy, unobstructed areas and count your money inside the car with the doors locked.

Drivers should do everything they can to prevent their car from being an easy target, such as always remembering to lock doors and windows before leaving the vehicle.

Try to stay calm. If there are any injuries, call 999 for assistance. If there are no injuries, try to move your vehicle to a safe area away from traffic.
As with any traffic accident, it is important to collect as much useful information as possible. Have the other driver write down his or her name and address, and not the model and vehicle registration of all vehicles involved. Exchange your respective insurance information and avoid discussing whose fault the accident was.

It is very important to refuse the services of tow trucks that arrive uncalled on the scene. Known as 'vultures' by locals, these tow trucks look for accidents and offer to tow the car to their workshop before charging an extremely high rate for their assistance. Make sure to call Avis Breakdown service for assistance.

If your car malfunctions on a major thoroughfare, lock the doors, turn on the hazard lights and wait for the police to arrive. If someone offers help, have them call the police.

Don't pull over to assist what may appear to be a disabled car, even if someone tries to wave you down. If you have a cellular phone, call the police for them.

Drive to a service station or store if you need information or directions. Casual street-corner directions are the surest way to get lost.

These safety tips are general common-sense suggestions from Avis. The safety of you and your passengers is most important. However, remember that personal safety is your responsibility. Do what you think is best under the circumstances. Above all, stay alert and be cautious.