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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Iceland: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the unique driving landscapes of Afghanistan and Iceland, travelers will encounter notable distinctions in road regulations and safety protocols. From speed limits to lane markings, understanding these variances is crucial for a secure journey. While Afghanistan's rules may seem less structured, Iceland emphasizes organization, particularly with dedicated bus and cycle lanes.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
iceland:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
iceland:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
afghanistan:
List length: 5
iceland:
List length: 4
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
iceland:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
iceland:
Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
iceland:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
iceland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
iceland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
iceland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
iceland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
iceland:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
iceland:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
iceland:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h on gravel roads
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h on paved roads
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h on paved roads
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
iceland:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
iceland:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
iceland:
N/A
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
afghanistan:
Signal when exiting
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Penalties
afghanistan:
Fines may apply for misuse
iceland:
N/A
Hand Signals: Common Usage
afghanistan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
iceland:
N/A
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
iceland:
Icelandic; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
iceland:
Triangular with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
iceland:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
iceland:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
iceland:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
iceland:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
iceland:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
iceland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries

Alcohol

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

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
afghanistan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
Signaling: Exiting
afghanistan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
iceland:
Signal when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
iceland:
National Police number 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
iceland:
Contact local towing services or insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
iceland:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
iceland:
Not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
iceland:
Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
iceland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
iceland:
Mandatory; fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
iceland:
Fines if found using without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
iceland:
Fines and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
iceland:
Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
iceland:
Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame