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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Egypt: Key Safety Differences

When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances in road regulations is essential for ensuring safe travels. This comparison between Afghanistan and Egypt reveals significant contrasts, from lane markings to speed limits. Notably, while Afghanistan has limited traffic lane designations, Egypt implements more structured rules, underscoring the importance of familiarizing yourself with local driving customs to enhance safety on the roads.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
egypt:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
egypt:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
egypt:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
egypt:
Typically used by buses and minibuses.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
egypt:
Not consistently marked.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
egypt:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
egypt:
Rare and may not be exclusive to bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
egypt:
Often unmarked.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
egypt:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
egypt:
Fixed speed limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
egypt:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
egypt:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
egypt:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
egypt:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
egypt:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
egypt:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
egypt:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
egypt:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
egypt:
Fixed speed limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
egypt:
Yes; fines are often paid immediately

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
egypt:
Not used in Egypt
Horn Usage: Allowed
afghanistan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
egypt:
Commonly used to communicate with other drivers
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
afghanistan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
egypt:
Unnecessary use discouraged; certain areas may restrict usage
Horn Usage: Penalties
afghanistan:
Fines may apply for misuse
egypt:
Fines can occur for excessive misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
afghanistan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
egypt:
To signal other drivers or warn of presence
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
afghanistan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
egypt:
Not officially regulated
Hand Signals: Common Usage
afghanistan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
egypt:
Used in some situations due to high traffic density
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
egypt:
Arabic; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
egypt:
Triangles with a red border and white background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
egypt:
Usually not allowed unless indicated otherwise
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
egypt:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
afghanistan:
Valid driver's license required
egypt:
Valid Egyptian driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
egypt:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
egypt:
Mandatory annual inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
egypt:
Provided after passing inspection
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
egypt:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Misuse
afghanistan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
egypt:
Common in high traffic areas
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
afghanistan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
egypt:
Common practice, though not always observed
Use Of Horn: Limited
afghanistan:
Only in emergency situations
egypt:
Commonly used
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
afghanistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
egypt:
Give way and allow passage

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
egypt:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
egypt:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
egypt:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
egypt:
Conducted frequently
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
egypt:
Can be substantial
Test Refusal
afghanistan:
Can result in license suspension
egypt:
Can result in penalties and license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
egypt:
122
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
egypt:
122
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
egypt:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
egypt:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
egypt:
Varies; fines can be significant
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
egypt:
Severe penalties including fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
egypt:
Fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
egypt:
Fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
egypt:
Significant fines and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
egypt:
Yes; fines are often paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
egypt:
Varies; typically within a few weeks