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Driving in Afghanistan vs Maldives: Key Safety Differences

Discover the unique nuances of road regulations and travel practices between Afghanistan and the Maldives. While Afghanistan drives on the right, the Maldives favors the left. Speed limits, lane usage, and traffic signs also exhibit notable contrasts, underscoring the importance of understanding local customs for a safer journey abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
afghanistan:
Right
maldives:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
maldives:
Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
maldives:
Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives.
Overtaking: On Left
afghanistan:
Yes
maldives:
No
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
maldives:
Yes, when safe and legal.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
maldives:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
maldives:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
maldives:
Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
maldives:
May be designated with road signs or markings.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
maldives:
Minimal
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
maldives:
Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
maldives:
Usually not specifically marked in many areas.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
maldives:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
maldives:
Common

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
maldives:
Not commonly used in Maldives
Horn Usage: Allowed
afghanistan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
maldives:
Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
maldives:
Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
maldives:
Country-specific shapes and colors

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
maldives:
Not allowed unless signed
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
maldives:
Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated
Special Turn Lanes
afghanistan:
Yes, marked with arrows
maldives:
Limited, mainly at main intersections

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
maldives:
Periodic checks required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
maldives:
Usually displayed on the vehicle

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
afghanistan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
maldives:
Common practice
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
maldives:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
afghanistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
maldives:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
maldives:
Less common
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
maldives:
Fines can be substantial

Roundabouts

Lane Usage: Right
afghanistan:
Use for first exit or straight
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
Lane Usage: Left
afghanistan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
maldives:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
maldives:
Contact local police for traffic issues
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
maldives:
Check with your insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
maldives:
Varies; fines start from MVR 750
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
maldives:
Severe penalties including license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
maldives:
Fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
maldives:
Fines for use without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
maldives:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
maldives:
Possible for minor offenses
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
maldives:
Varies; typically within a specified time