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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Norway: Key Safety Differences

When comparing road regulations in Afghanistan and Norway, significant distinctions emerge. From lane markings to speed limits, these countries adopt vastly different approaches to ensure vehicular safety. While Norway boasts structured bus and cycle lanes along with variable speed signs, Afghanistan's road etiquette reflects a more informal driving culture. Understanding these contrasts is essential for safe travel abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
norway:
Used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
norway:
Not standard in Norway.
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
norway:
Only permitted in specific situations, e.g., if the vehicle in front has signaled a left turn.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
norway:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
norway:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
norway:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
norway:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
norway:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
norway:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
norway:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
norway:
Minimum two or more occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
norway:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
norway:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
norway:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
norway:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
norway:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
norway:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
norway:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
norway:
90-110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
norway:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
norway:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
norway:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
norway:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
norway:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
norway:
Not used in Norway
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
norway:
Norwegian; symbols are standard, with English in some places
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
norway:
Triangular-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
norway:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
norway:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
norway:
Accepted with a national driving license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
norway:
Yes, periodic inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
norway:
None
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
norway:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
norway:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
norway:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
norway:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
norway:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
norway:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
norway:
High fines and possible license revocation

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
norway:
02800
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
norway:
Check with your insurance provider or NAF
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
norway:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
norway:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
norway:
Varies; substantial fines and possible points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
norway:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
norway:
1500 NOK
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
norway:
1700 NOK
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
norway:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
norway:
Yes, typically required
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
norway:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay