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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Bahrain: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the roads of Afghanistan and Bahrain, it's crucial to understand their unique driving regulations and road cultures. Key distinctions arise in lane markings, speed limits, and the enforcement of traffic laws. By familiarizing yourself with these essential variances, you can enhance your road safety and ensure a smoother journey abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
bahrain:
Indicates separation, no crossing unless during emergencies.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
bahrain:
Typically used to indicate a turning lane or lane merging.
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
bahrain:
Generally not allowed unless in multi-lane roads.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
afghanistan:
List length: 5
bahrain:
List length: 4
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
bahrain:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
bahrain:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
bahrain:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
bahrain:
Yes, but limited.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
bahrain:
Primarily on designated routes.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
bahrain:
Bicycle symbols and white lines.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
bahrain:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
bahrain:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
bahrain:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
bahrain:
30-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
bahrain:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
bahrain:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
bahrain:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
bahrain:
Yes, both on-the-spot and mailed fines

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
bahrain:
Not used in Bahrain
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
afghanistan:
Signal when exiting
bahrain:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
afghanistan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
bahrain:
Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas
Horn Usage: Penalties
afghanistan:
Fines may apply for misuse
bahrain:
Fines for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
afghanistan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
bahrain:
To warn other drivers of your presence
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
afghanistan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
bahrain:
Used as a signal of road rage or aggression
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
bahrain:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
bahrain:
Triangular with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
bahrain:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
bahrain:
Permitted unless no U-turn sign is present

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
bahrain:
International Driving Permit often required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
bahrain:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
bahrain:
Annual vehicle inspections mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Zero Tolerance: Drugs
afghanistan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
bahrain:
Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
bahrain:
Common, especially during nighttime
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
bahrain:
Substantial; both fines and imprisonment possible
Test Refusal
afghanistan:
Can result in license suspension
bahrain:
Can result in license suspension and legal actions

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
bahrain:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
bahrain:
999
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
bahrain:
Contact your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
bahrain:
Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
bahrain:
High fines, possible imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
bahrain:
Fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
bahrain:
Fines applicable for using mobile phones while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
bahrain:
Heavy fines, possible license points
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
bahrain:
Possible; fines can also be paid online
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
bahrain:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay