Driving is never the same in two countries. In Malaysia, our drivers have their own quirks and habits too. Here are some need-to-knows to help you get around on Malaysian roads, this festive season.

1. Motorcyclists, rain, and bridges
Torrential rain is not uncommon in Malaysia and it only takes a few seconds to be soaked. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable and the practice in Malaysia is to shelter under the nearest bridge. Obviously this can result in a large number of motorbikes huddling under one bridge.
It is common to find the slow lane full of parked motorbikes when you enter a tunnel or go under a bridge on a rainy day. If the rain is very heavy, you may only see them at the last minute with potentially disastrous consequences.
Following a few fatal accidents, the government is building places for the bikes to shelter off the main road, but this is a huge project. 
The rule is, try not to enter a tunnel or bridge in the slow lane, unless you can clearly see there are no bikes waiting there.

2. Blinking hazard lights do not mean ‘I’ve stopped’
In many countries, putting on all four blinking lights indicates that you have stopped your car. In Malaysia, it is quite common for drivers to do this when they drive slowly in heavy rain. 
Some motorists will also put on their hazard lights in preference to sidelights when they enter a tunnel. Efforts are being made to stop the practice and it has decreased, but you will still see drivers who do it.

3. Long-distance buses
The upgrading of most bus fleets has substantially reduced the belching black fumes they used to emit but the quality of some drivers leaves a lot to be desired and the high number of bus accidents is evidence of this.  It is not at all uncommon for buses to decide to overtake. Of course, it’s not just buses that do this but they can be more intimidating. So look out!

4. Motorcyclist Make Their Own Rules

Motorcyclists in Malaysia are often compared to pedal cyclists in Western countries. They will ride on the pavement and the wrong way down one way streets. If you are first in line at traffic lights in any major town or city you can expect your car to soon be surrounded by motor-bikes. You may well find all the lanes ahead of you blocked until they sort themselves out.

5. The slow lane is not for cars
Very few Malaysian drivers are willing to drive in the “slow” left hand lane on a three-lane road. Most will drive happily in the middle or even the fast lane when slower lanes are completely empty.
This of course encourages many drivers to overtake on the inside lanes and this is illegal, but quite a common practice in Malaysia. So, be sure not to practice this behavior and watch out for vehicles that do.

6. Lane discipline on the highway
On highways, you will often see cars driving slowly in the fast lane. Even flashing your lights and sounding your horn will not move them. You then have to decide whether to sit patiently behind them or illegally pass on the inside.
Other drivers will pass you on the inside before giving you any sign they want to pass and often without any warning so always check the slow lane carefully if you are moving into it as you may find a fast driver hurtling towards your passenger side.
This rule is also important when turning left as motorbikes can often appear from nowhere in your inside lane and many expats have ended up hitting them.

7. Drive around the city during major festive holidays
During festive occasions, such as Hari Raya or Deepavali, hundreds of thousands of Malaysians ‘balik kampong’. 

Those that see the holidays as a chance to discover the countryside may find a lot of time in their hands. This is a good time to drive around the major cities for some sightseeing and photography because you will find most city streets pleasantly deserted.

8. Mobile phones and turns
In some countries you can use a handphone while driving. In Malaysia this is against the law and only hands-free kits are permitted.
The other law, which is different from some countries (like some states in the US) is that you are not permitted to turn (left) at a red light. You are also not permitted to do a U-turn at a traffic light unless there is a sign showing you can make one.

9. The accident crowd
The Americans call it rubber necking and most countries experience a major slowdown in traffic when there is an accident, but in Malaysia you can expect a lot of people to park their cars and motorbikes so they can stand around and watch the complete event. Some will record the license plates for their next lotto game!

10. Queuing is not for cars. 
Whenever there is a line of cars stopped in a jam, expect to see drivers looking for an opportunity to jump the queue. A single lane of cars can soon become two or three lanes if there is space to fill.
I have often seen cars move into the oncoming lane to pass cars stuck in a jam, and when an oncoming car comes they just force their way back or squeeze closer to the cars they are passing if there is no opening.
It is rare indeed to hear much protest from Malaysian drivers. Vehicles reversing along expressways, usually just after missing an exit ramp, are also not that uncommon.

For more reads on road safety, stay tuned to RAAGA!