Destinations / Malaysia
Driving in Malaysia as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Malaysia drives on the left and accepts the IDP; tourists should carry one with their national licence to rent and drive.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Malaysia expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h expressways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in MYR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Touch 'n Go electronic tolls on highways. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Helmets | Helmets mandatory for motorbikes. |
On the road in Malaysia
At the pump
RON95 (capped, cheapest) and RON97 petrol plus diesel are sold; RON95 was around RM2.05/litre in 2026. Stations are mostly attended or pay-at-kiosk first, and Petronas, Shell, Petron and BHPetrol widely accept cards.
After a crash
Dial 999 for police and ambulance. A police report must be lodged within 24 hours of any accident (now possible online via PDRM e-Reporting for PLUS highway and single-vehicle cases); do not move vehicles until photographed if there are injuries or a dispute.
Sources: motorist.my · gemcarrental.com.my · bhpetrol.com.my · ereporting.rmp.gov.my
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Malaysia?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Malaysia drives on the left and accepts the IDP; tourists should carry one with their national licence to rent and drive.
Which translation format is used for Malaysia?
Malaysia uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Malaysia ask for a translation?
Kuala Lumpur desks request an IDP for non-English licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Malaysia?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.