Renting a car and hitting the road in Malaysia can be a great way to explore places that public transport doesn’t quite reach. It gives you more flexibility, lets you stop wherever you like (for snacks, views, or toilets), and can save time when you’re planning to cover a lot of ground.
But it’s also a good idea to know what driving here is like before you pick up the keys. Hint: It’s not quite as hectic as some other parts of Southeast Asia.
This guide is written by a local, so you’ll get the kind of information you won’t always find in official brochures or international blogs. I’ll walk you through what to expect, what to watch out for, and how to keep things as stress-free as possible while driving around Malaysia. Let’s go!
Also read: Driving in Malaysian Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak): What to Expect
Can tourists drive in Malaysia?
Yes, tourists can legally drive in Malaysia as long as they meet a few basic requirements. First, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. If that license isn’t in English or Malay, you’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) — and even if it is, having one is a good idea just in case you’re stopped by the police or need to deal with insurance.
If you’re staying for a longer period, you may need to convert your license or apply for a temporary Malaysian driving permit, depending on your country of origin. But for most short-term visitors, your home license plus an IDP will be enough.
Driving is on the left side
Malaysia follows the British system, so you drive on the left-hand side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right. If you’re used to driving on the right, this might feel strange at first, especially when making turns or navigating roundabouts.
The first few hours might take some concentration, but most people adapt quickly. It helps to start driving in a quieter area to get used to the feel of the car and the flow of traffic.
Pedestrian crossings and overtaking also follow the left-side logic, so always look right first before stepping off a curb.
Roads are (mostly) in good shape
Malaysia has a fairly modern road network. Highways are generally in good condition and link up major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, and Johor Bahru. Secondary roads in towns and villages can be hit-or-miss — some are narrow, potholed, or poorly lit at night. In East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), roads are improving but still rougher in some rural areas.
GPS and apps like Waze or Google Maps work well throughout the country, but be prepared for occasional detours or confusing signage. We, locals often get lost too, even with GPS, so don’t feel too bad about it. Construction zones and roadworks are common, especially near growing urban centers.
Tolls
If you’re planning to drive on highways in Malaysia, like the North-South Expressway (which connects the big cities from the Thai border down to Johor Bahru), you’ll run into toll booths regularly.
How much are the tolls in Malaysia?
Toll rates vary depending on the distance and location. Short trips might cost RM1–RM3, while longer intercity drives can add up. For example, driving from Kuala Lumpur to Penang costs around RM40 in tolls one way.
Can you pay cash at Malaysian tolls?
No — cash isn’t accepted at highway toll booths anymore. You’ll need to use a Touch ‘n Go (TnG) card, RFID, or a SmartTAG (an electronic device you carry onboard for toll collection). Many toll plazas have now also introduced lanes that accept Visa, Mastercard, and MyDebit cards.
Touch 'n Go
What is Touch 'n Go and how does it work?
Touch ‘n Go is a reloadable card that you tap on the toll gate reader. The amount gets deducted automatically. You can also use it for parking and public transports in Kuala Lumpur. If you’re renting a car, check if the TnG card is already included with the rental — some companies provide one, but not all.
If your rental doesn’t include it, you can buy a TnG card at selected petrol stations (like Petronas or Shell), Watsons, 7-Eleven, or at Touch ‘n Go service counters at larger malls or train stations. The card itself costs around RM10, and you’ll need to top it up with a separate amount (usually RM10 or RM20 minimum).
How and where to reload your Touch 'n Go card?
You can reload your TnG card at petrol stations, some convenience stores, or at dedicated top-up machines in shopping malls. Most places charge a small reload fee (around RM0.50), though some don’t.
There’s also a newer option called Touch ‘n Go eWallet, which lets you link your card to the app via RFID. However, this feature only works if the card is registered under your name.
What if you don't have enough balance at the toll gate?
The gate won’t open, and you’ll have to pull over. Some tolls have top-up kiosks nearby, but not all. This is why it’s a good idea to always keep your card topped up, especially before long drives. If you get stuck and there’s no top-up nearby, you’ll have to backtrack with help from a toll worker (which is no fun).
Petrol
Malaysia has some of the most affordable petrol prices in the region, thanks to government subsidies. It’s one of the reasons why road trips here are pretty budget-friendly.
How much does petrol cost in Malaysia?
As of May 2025, RON95 (the regular subsidized fuel) is RM2.05 per liter. Premium fuel like RON97 is not subsidized and hovers around RM3.00–RM4.00 per liter depending on the market price. Unless your rental car specifically requires RON97, RON95 is perfectly fine for most vehicles, as long as they have local registration numbers. So, you can’t drive a foreign car from Thailand or Singapore and fuel up with the subsidized petrol.
How to refuel at Malaysian petrol stations
Most petrol stations are self-service. You pull up to the pump, pop open your fuel tank, and prepay before filling up. Some places let you pay at the pump using a card, but the most common way is to walk into the cashier and tell them your pump number and how much you want to spend (for example, “Pump 5, RM50”).
If you’re not sure how much to fill, just say “full tank” or “penuh.” Some attendants may offer to pump for you, especially in smaller towns, but don’t count on it. In general, you’re expected to do it yourself.
Payment options
Most stations accept cash and cards (Visa/Mastercard), and many accept e-wallets like Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Boost, or GrabPay. Just be aware that sometimes credit card machines don’t work, or the connection may be down, so cash is the safest option.
Finding petrol stations
They’re easy to find in cities and along highways. Popular chains include Petronas, Shell, Petron, Caltex, and BHPetrol. If you’re heading to a rural area, fill up before you go — not all small towns have 24-hour stations, and some might only have one option.
Parking can be a headache in cities
Street parking is common in cities, but it can be confusing. Some areas require parking coupons (still a thing in smaller towns), while others use mobile apps like JomParking, Park@Perak, or Flexi Parking. Instructions are usually posted on signs, but they’re often small or only in Malay. If you’re not sure, ask a local shopkeeper or just park in a mall lot.
Shopping malls, tourist spots, and hotels usually have proper parking lots with ticket systems. You take a ticket when you enter, then pay at a machine before you leave. These are usually safer and less stressful than trying to figure out on-street rules.
Rest stops on highways
If you’re driving long-distance on major highways in Peninsular Malaysia, you’ll come across regular rest stops called R&R — short for Rehat & Rawat, which literally means “rest and recover.” They’re spaced out roughly every 30 to 50 km, and they’re your best bet for bathroom breaks, meals, and fuel.
Some rest stops are large, with multiple food stalls, prayer rooms, convenience stores, shaded seating, and even playgrounds. Others are smaller with just a petrol station, toilets, and a couple of food options. Most R&Rs have Malaysian-style eateries (nasi campur, fried noodles, fast food, etc.), and many have minimarts to stock up on necessities.
Toilets at these stops are usually free, but quality varies — some are very clean, others… not so much. If you’re picky about toilet conditions, bigger R&Rs and petrol stations tend to be better maintained than the smaller, standalone ones. You’ll often find both squat and Western-style toilets, and yes, water hoses are standard.
Read: Toilets in Malaysia: What to Expect & How to Handle It Like a Local
There are also smaller lay-bys (hentian sebelah) that are basically just parking lots with toilets. These are meant more for a quick break or to switch drivers — not for eating or fueling up.
It’s completely safe to stop at these places during the day and even at night. Most people rest, pray, eat, or nap in their cars. If you’re tired, it’s normal to pull over and catch a short nap — no one will bother you.
Traffic rules, signs and other oddities
Road signs
Many signs use international symbols, so you’ll recognize stop signs, speed limits, no U-turns, etc. But written instructions are usually in Malay. A few common ones to look out for:
- Berhenti = Stop
- Keluar = Exit
- Masuk = Entrance
- Awas = Caution
- Lencongan = Detour
- Hati-hati = Drive carefully
- Jalan Sehala = One-way
- Zon Sekolah = School zone
- Simpang = Junction
- Lorong Kecemasan = Emergency lane (don’t use this to beat traffic — it’s illegal)
Speed limits
Malaysia’s speed limits are generally:
- 110 km/h on highways
- 80–90 km/h on federal and state roads
- 50–60 km/h in towns or residential areas
There are speed cameras, and they do work. Rental companies can charge you later for tickets, so it’s not worth the risk to speed. In some areas, especially near schools or construction zones, the limits drop significantly and are enforced.
Police do occasional roadblocks and checks. Keep your license, IDP, and passport on hand. They’re usually polite and straightforward.
Roundabouts and traffic lights
Roundabouts are common, especially outside of major highways. Use your indicators, stick to your lane, and give way to traffic coming from your right. If you miss your exit, no problem — just go around again.
Traffic lights are standard, but some intersections have odd timing or flashing yellow lights at night. Be especially cautious after midnight when some drivers treat lights more like suggestions.
U-turns
Malaysia loves U-turns. You might find yourself needing to drive past your destination and make a U-turn just to get there. They’re legal where marked and often built into road designs. In some areas, there’s even a dedicated U-turn lane at traffic lights.
Driving under the influence: don't risk it!
Malaysia has strict laws on driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal alcohol limits in Malaysia are:
- Breath: 22 microgrammes (mcg) of alcohol in 100 millilitres (ml) of breath
- Blood: 50 milligrammes of alcohol in 100ml of blood
- Urine: 67 milligrammes of alcohol in 100ml of urine.
To give you an idea, that’s roughly one small beer — maybe less, depending on your body weight and metabolism. So if you’re planning to have even a casual drink with dinner, it’s best not to drive afterward.
Getting caught can lead to hefty fines, a jail sentence, and license suspension, even if no accident happens. Police sometimes conduct random roadblocks, especially at night and on weekends, where they’ll check for licenses and test for alcohol, and these don’t just happen in big cities — smaller towns and highways aren’t exempt either.
Also keep in mind that if you’re in an accident and you’ve been drinking, even a small amount, insurance companies may refuse to cover the damages. You’ll be personally liable for the costs, and that can get very expensive very quickly.
If you’re planning a night out, the safer option is to take a Grab (the local version of Uber), call a taxi, or just stay somewhere nearby. Don’t count on being under the limit — the laws aren’t flexible, and local courts won’t care that you’re a tourist.
Seat belts and car seats: are they required?
Seat belts are mandatory in Malaysia, at least in the front seats. The law requires both driver and front passenger to wear a seat belt at all times. If you’re caught without one, you can be fined. Rear seat belts are technically required too, but in practice, many locals don’t use them, and not all older cars have functioning rear belts. Still, it’s safest to buckle up no matter where you’re sitting.
If you’re traveling with children, things get a bit more specific. As of 2020, child car seats are mandatory for kids under 135 cm in height or below 36 kg in weight. However, this rule is still loosely enforced, and not all locals follow it — especially for short drives. That said, you definitely should, both for safety and peace of mind.
If you’re renting a car, you can try to request a child seat for an extra fee. Just make sure to book in advance — availability can be limited, especially during holiday seasons. For babies and toddlers, most rental companies offer rear-facing or convertible seats, but again, it’s worth checking the details beforehand. Don’t assume they’ll provide one by default.
If you’re bringing your own car seat from home, most international models will fit in Malaysian cars without much issue. Just note that ISOFIX is not available in every vehicle, especially older or budget rentals.
Should you *cough* bribe a traffic police officer?
Stories about bribing police in Asia aren’t something new, and Malaysia isn’t immune to that reputation. But the reality is, bribing a police officer is illegal, and you can get into serious trouble for it. It’s really not worth the risk.
If you’re stopped for something like speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or a minor traffic violation, the officer will usually issue a fine. You’ll get a physical ticket and be told to either pay it later online or at the nearest traffic police station. If you’re asked to “pay on the spot”, you can politely decline or ask for a written receipt — that signals you’re not open to any off-the-books arrangement.
Have people gotten out of tickets by slipping some cash? Sure. But it doesn’t make it legal or safe. There’s always a chance that attempting to bribe an officer could backfire and lead to more serious charges.
Is it safe to drive in Malaysia?
Generally speaking, yes — it’s safe to drive in Malaysia. Most roads are paved, major highways are in good condition, and traffic rules are pretty standard. But like anywhere else, the actual experience depends on where you’re driving and what time of day.
City traffic can feel chaotic, especially if you’re not used to aggressive lane changes or a lack of signalling. In places like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, drivers can be impatient. You’ll often see people switching lanes without warning or tailgating when the traffic slows. Motorcyclists are everywhere — they squeeze between cars, sometimes from both sides, and they don’t always follow the rules. It can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re driving during rush hour.
Outside the cities, things calm down a bit. Highways are straightforward, signage is generally clear (though some only in Malay), and drivers tend to be more relaxed. That said, rural roads can come with their own quirks — like sudden potholes, slow-moving lorries, or the occasional cow crossing the street. Night driving outside of towns isn’t recommended unless you’re familiar with the route, because some roads are poorly lit and don’t have a proper shoulder.
As a tourist, the best approach is to drive defensively. Expect unexpected lane changes, give motorcyclists plenty of space, and keep calm if someone cuts you off. People can seem impatient on the road, but it’s rarely personal. If someone honks at you, it’s usually just to say “move along” rather than an act of aggression.
One last tip: don’t assume everyone will follow the rules — especially at traffic lights late at night. Some drivers treat red lights as optional, particularly when there’s no traffic. So always double check before crossing an intersection, even if you have the green.
Emergency numbers and what to do in an accident
Here are the key emergency contacts:
- Police / Ambulance / Fire: Dial 999 or 112 from a mobile phone
In the event of a minor accident, take photos of all vehicles and damage, exchange details, and contact the rental company right away. Don’t move your car unless it’s blocking traffic. For more serious incidents, wait for the police to arrive.
Many Malaysians will stop to help, especially in rural areas — don’t be surprised if a stranger offers to call someone or help interpret the situation.
Should you rent a car?
Renting a car can be a great option depending on where you’re going. If you’re exploring the Cameron Highlands, East Coast beaches, Taman Negara, or much of Sabah and Sarawak, having your own car makes a big difference. Public transport to rural or less touristy spots is limited or nonexistent.
I’ve written a separate guide that walks you through everything — what kind of car to get, rental platforms to use, requirements for tourists, insurance, costs, and useful tips so you don’t get caught off guard.
Read: Malaysia Car Rental Guide – What to Know Before You Book
In contrast, driving in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, or George Town (Penang) isn’t as enjoyable. Parking is tough, traffic is intense, and you’ll spend more time looking for a parking spot than actually enjoying your day. In urban areas, using Grab (the local Uber alternative), LRT/MRT, or just walking is usually easier.
Read: How to Get Around in Malaysia: Buses, Trains, Planes & More
Final thoughts
Driving in Malaysia can be a great way to explore places off the beaten path, especially if you’re heading into nature or smaller towns. It gives you flexibility and a bit of adventure — just make sure you’re prepared for tolls, traffic quirks, and unpredictable road behavior. For cities, Grab might save you a lot of stress.
If you’re confident behind the wheel and don’t mind the occasional scooter darting past you, Malaysia is very drivable — just keep left, stay patient, and enjoy the journey.
Also read:
Have you driven in Malaysia before? Or are you planning to? Comment below!
