MotorwayMalaysia

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Motorway
Motorway signs near Perai on Federal Route 1. (Penang, Malaysia)
Wikimedia.org • Hazwan Amini • CC BY-SA
How can you recognise a motorway?

A motorway is normally identified by a special motorway sign at its entrance. It commonly has separate carriageways, controlled entrances and exits, and no ordinary intersections or direct access to neighbouring properties.

Who may use a motorway?

Motorways are primarily intended for motor vehicles capable of travelling safely at motorway speeds. Pedestrians, cyclists, animals and certain slow vehicles are generally prohibited, but the exact access requirements differ between countries.

What is the speed limit on a motorway?

There is no universal motorway speed limit. The applicable limit depends on the country, road section, vehicle category and driving conditions. Posted or variable speed-limit signs may replace the general national limit.

How should you enter a motorway?

Use the entrance or acceleration lane to observe motorway traffic and adjust your speed where possible. Enter only when there is a safe gap and follow the local priority and merging rules.

How should you leave a motorway?

Move into the correct lane in good time and signal when required. Enter the exit or deceleration lane before reducing your speed, unless traffic, signs or road conditions require you to slow down earlier.

Which lane should you use on a motorway?

Follow the local keep-left or keep-right rule and any lane-direction signs. Lanes closer to the centre of the motorway are commonly used for overtaking, but lane-use rules differ between countries and vehicle categories.

Can you stop on a motorway?

Voluntary stopping and parking are normally permitted only in designated parking or service areas. Drivers may still have to stop because of congestion, an emergency or another unavoidable situation.

Can you reverse or make a U-turn on a motorway?

Reversing, making a U-turn and driving against the direction of traffic are generally prohibited. If you miss an exit, continue to the next suitable exit.

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down?

Move the vehicle out of the traffic lanes when this can be done safely, activate the hazard warning lights and follow the local breakdown procedures. Leave the vehicle safely, keep away from moving traffic and use a warning triangle or safety vest where required by local law.

What is the difference between a motorway and an expressway?

A motorway normally has the highest level of access control and is governed by specific motorway rules. An expressway may have similar characteristics but may permit different road users or contain lower-standard junctions. The legal distinction varies between countries.

1 Malaysia 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bridge 5 Speed bump 6 Slope 7 Stop sign 8 Give way 9 Roundabout 10 Pedestrian crossing 11 Railway crossing 12 Mandatory direction 13 School area 14 Overtaking 15 Crossing animals 16 Slippery road 17 Rockfall 18 Curve 19 Chevron 20 Wrong-way driving 21 Height limit 22 Selective barriers 23 Traffic lights 24 Traffic lights warning 25 Driving licence 26 Location marker 27 Traffic mirror 28 Disabled parking 29 Reversing 30 Uncontrolled crossroad 31 Road surface 32 Emergency exit 33 Tourist attraction 34 Charging station 35 Bus 36 Police 37 Taxi 38 Pothole 39 Path 40 Particulates 41 Air pollution 42 Rush hour 43 Road code 44 Street gutter 45 Cargo bike 46 Forestry vehicle 47 Construction vehicle 48 Semi-trailer truck 49 Trolleybus 50 Speed pedelec 51 Delivery vehicle 52 Idling 53 Tow truck 54 Four-wheel drive 55 Bicycle 56 Motorcycle equipment 57 Rail track 58 Caravan 59 Trailer 60 Tow hitch 61 Fire truck 62 Siren 63 Convoy 64 Emergency vehicle lighting 65 Tractor 66 Agricultural machinery 67 Electric bicycle 68 Electric vehicle 69 Pedelec 70 Quadricycle 71 Microcar 72 All-terrain vehicle 73 Van 74 Recreational vehicle 75 Scooter 76 Trikke 77 Personal mobility device 78 Skateboard 79 Segway 80 Kick scooter 81 Roller skates 82 Mailman 83 Hitchhiker 84 Toddler 85 Child 86 Disability 87 Motorail 88 km/h 89 mph 90 Speedometer 91 Ride height 92 Dirt road 93 Driving 94 Start-stop system 95 Manual transmission 96 Automatic transmission 97 Throttle 98 Tachometer 99 Steering wheel 100 Power steering ...