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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Nigeria: Key Differences Explained

When exploring the roads of Afghanistan and Nigeria, travelers will encounter distinct regulations and practices that influence their experience behind the wheel. Notable variations include speed limits, lane usage, and the enforcement of traffic laws, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring a secure journey in these countries.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
nigeria:
Used as a divider on major roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
nigeria:
Not commonly used; overtaking may be allowed on overtaking lanes.
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
nigeria:
Only where permitted and safe.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
nigeria:
Use rightmost lane where applicable.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
nigeria:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
nigeria:
Reserved mainly for BRT buses in certain cities.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
nigeria:
May be labeled 'BRT' or demarcated with other markers; signs often indicate lanes.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
nigeria:
Bicycles and motorbikes often share roads with cars.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
nigeria:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
nigeria:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
nigeria:
Not commonly used

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
nigeria:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
nigeria:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
nigeria:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
nigeria:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
nigeria:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
nigeria:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
nigeria:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
nigeria:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
nigeria:
Not commonly used
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
afghanistan:
Yes
nigeria:
Rare, mostly manual enforcement
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
nigeria:
Yes, common practice

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
afghanistan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
nigeria:
Proceed with caution, yield to other road users
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
nigeria:
Not commonly used
Horn Usage: Allowed
afghanistan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
nigeria:
Often used to signal presence or warning
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
afghanistan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
nigeria:
Discouraged at night in residential areas
Horn Usage: Penalties
afghanistan:
Fines may apply for misuse
nigeria:
Rare but can apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
afghanistan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
nigeria:
To indicate overtaking or to warn other drivers
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
afghanistan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
nigeria:
Not for other messages
Hand Signals: Common Usage
afghanistan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
nigeria:
More common in certain areas
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
nigeria:
English; symbols can vary
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
nigeria:
Triangular with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
nigeria:
Generally not allowed unless indicated
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
nigeria:
Varies by locality; check for signs
Special Turn Lanes
afghanistan:
Yes, marked with arrows
nigeria:
Rarely marked

Documentation

Insurance
afghanistan:
Liability insurance mandatory
nigeria:
Third party insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
nigeria:
Yes, annual vehicle inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
nigeria:
Displayed on the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
nigeria:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Misuse
afghanistan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
nigeria:
Discouraged
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
afghanistan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
nigeria:
Sometimes observed, depending on traffic and location
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
afghanistan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
nigeria:
Discouraged and can lead to fines
Use Of Horn: Limited
afghanistan:
Only in emergency situations
nigeria:
Commonly used, but officially for emergencies
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
nigeria:
Frequent use, similar to some other countries
Pedestrians Priority
afghanistan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
nigeria:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks, but may not be strictly enforced
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
afghanistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
nigeria:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
nigeria:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
nigeria:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
nigeria:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
nigeria:
Occasional roadblocks
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
nigeria:
Fines vary across states
Enforcement: Imprisonment
afghanistan:
Possible for severe offenses
nigeria:
Possible for repeated or severe offenses
Test Refusal
afghanistan:
Can result in license suspension
nigeria:
Likely to result in arrest or fines

Roundabouts

Priority: Inside
afghanistan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
nigeria:
Maintain lane, avoid abrupt lane changes
Signaling: Entering
afghanistan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
nigeria:
Signal appropriately when entering if turning
Signaling: Exiting
afghanistan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
nigeria:
Signal when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
afghanistan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
nigeria:
Use for subsequent exits

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
nigeria:
112 or 199
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
nigeria:
Varies by region; check local contact
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
nigeria:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
nigeria:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
nigeria:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
nigeria:
Varies; can be heavy fine, often on-the-spot
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
nigeria:
Varies; fines and potential jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
nigeria:
Fine for not wearing; enforcement varies
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
nigeria:
Fines apply; hands-free concept encouraged
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
nigeria:
Fines imposed; traffic light cameras in some areas
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
nigeria:
Common; usually with cash
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
nigeria:
Varies by offense