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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Bhutan: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Afghanistan and Bhutan, understanding the contrasting regulations is crucial for a safe journey. While Afghanistan drives on the right, Bhutan follows the left. Speed limits vary significantly, and the enforcement of penalties differs, highlighting the importance of familiarizing oneself with local road practices to ensure a secure experience abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
afghanistan:
Right
bhutan:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
bhutan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
bhutan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
afghanistan:
Yes
bhutan:
No
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
bhutan:
Yes
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
bhutan:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
bhutan:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
bhutan:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
bhutan:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
bhutan:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
bhutan:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
bhutan:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
bhutan:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
bhutan:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
bhutan:
Up to 60 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
bhutan:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
afghanistan:
Yes
bhutan:
No
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
bhutan:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
bhutan:
Not used in Bhutan
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
bhutan:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
bhutan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
bhutan:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
bhutan:
Restricted; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
bhutan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
bhutan:
Frequent use in rural areas, reduced in urban settings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
afghanistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
bhutan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
bhutan:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
bhutan:
0.04%
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
bhutan:
Common, especially during events
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
bhutan:
Substantial and imprisonment possible

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
bhutan:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
bhutan:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
bhutan:
Check with local providers or vehicle insurance
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
bhutan:
Varies; often involves fines and points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
bhutan:
Fines enforced
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
bhutan:
Fines enforced
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
bhutan:
Fines and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
bhutan:
Yes
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
bhutan:
Varies; typically immediate payment required