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Driving Differences: Afghanistan vs. Azerbaijan Explained

When navigating the roads of Afghanistan and Azerbaijan, understanding the variations in traffic regulations and practices is crucial for ensuring a secure journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and the presence of bus lanes, which can significantly impact your driving experience in each country. Stay informed to drive safely abroad!

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
azerbaijan:
Marks the center on undivided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
azerbaijan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
azerbaijan:
In some cases, such as if the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
azerbaijan:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
azerbaijan:
Reserved primarily for buses and sometimes other public transport vehicles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
azerbaijan:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
azerbaijan:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
azerbaijan:
Mainly in major cities and occasionally shared with bus lanes.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
azerbaijan:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
azerbaijan:
Limited
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
azerbaijan:
Often designated for buses and public transport.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
azerbaijan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
azerbaijan:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
azerbaijan:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
azerbaijan:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
azerbaijan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
azerbaijan:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
azerbaijan:
Common practice; fines can also be mailed.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
azerbaijan:
Not used in Azerbaijan
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
azerbaijan:
Azerbaijani; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
azerbaijan:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
azerbaijan:
Generally not allowed, unless a green arrow is shown
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
azerbaijan:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
azerbaijan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
azerbaijan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
azerbaijan:
Annual technical inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
azerbaijan:
Provided upon successful inspection
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
azerbaijan:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
azerbaijan:
Moderate use compared to some countries

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
azerbaijan:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
azerbaijan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
azerbaijan:
Occasional; fines and penalties apply
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
azerbaijan:
Can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
azerbaijan:
102
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
azerbaijan:
Call your insurance provider or local service
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
azerbaijan:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
azerbaijan:
Varies; can be significant depending on excess speed
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
azerbaijan:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
azerbaijan:
Significant fines
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
azerbaijan:
Significant fines, possible license points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
azerbaijan:
Significant fines, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
azerbaijan:
Possible; and fines can also be paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
azerbaijan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay