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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Ireland: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the road rules of Afghanistan and Ireland, distinct contrasts emerge that impact travel safety. While Afghanistan drives on the right and lacks dedicated bus or cycle lanes, Ireland adopts a left-hand driving system with well-defined lane markings and speed limits. Understanding these variances is essential for ensuring a secure driving experience in both nations.

Lanes

Driving Side
afghanistan:
Right
ireland:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
ireland:
Marks areas where passing is not allowed.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
ireland:
Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
afghanistan:
Yes
ireland:
No, overtake on the right.
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
ireland:
Yes, standard overtaking side.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
ireland:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
ireland:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
ireland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
ireland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
ireland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
ireland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
ireland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
ireland:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
ireland:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
ireland:
80-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
ireland:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
ireland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
ireland:
90 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
ireland:
More common; fines can be issued on the spot.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
afghanistan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
ireland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
ireland:
Indicates the light is about to turn green.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
afghanistan:
Signal when exiting
ireland:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
afghanistan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
ireland:
Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas.
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
ireland:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
ireland:
Triangles with red borders

Turns

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

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
ireland:
Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
ireland:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
ireland:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
ireland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
afghanistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
ireland:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
ireland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
ireland:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
ireland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
ireland:
Random breath testing is common.
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
ireland:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
ireland:
112 or 999
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
ireland:
112 or 999
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
ireland:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
ireland:
Required

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
ireland:
Varies; €80 to €120, and points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
ireland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
ireland:
€60 fine and two penalty points
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
ireland:
€60 fine and three penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
ireland:
€80 and three penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
ireland:
Possible; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
ireland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay