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Driving in Afghanistan vs South Africa: Key Differences

When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances of road rules is crucial for safe navigation. This comparison between Afghanistan and South Africa reveals significant contrasts in driving regulations, such as lane usage, speed limits, and alcohol policies. Familiarizing yourself with these variations can enhance your travel experience and ensure a smoother journey.

Lanes

Driving Side
afghanistan:
Right
south africa:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
south africa:
Marks the right edge on roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
south africa:
Used to demarcate lanes on certain roads.
Overtaking: On Left
afghanistan:
Yes
south africa:
Allowed
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
south africa:
Prohibited unless turning.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
south africa:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
south africa:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
south africa:
Reserved for buses; marked with road signs and lane markings.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
south africa:
May include the word 'BUS' and specific coloring.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
south africa:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
south africa:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
south africa:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
south africa:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
south africa:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
south africa:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
south africa:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
south africa:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
south africa:
120 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
south africa:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
south africa:
Yes, common in South Africa

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
south africa:
Not used in South Africa
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
south africa:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
south africa:
Triangular shape with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
south africa:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
south africa:
Allowed at designated places; check for signs.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
south africa:
Required when transferring ownership or relicensing a vehicle
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
south africa:
Not applicable
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
south africa:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
south africa:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
south africa:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
south africa:
Common; roadblocks are used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
south africa:
Substantial; varies based on offense
Test Refusal
afghanistan:
Can result in license suspension
south africa:
Can result in license suspension and additional fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
afghanistan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
south africa:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
south africa:
112 or 10111
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
south africa:
Call general emergency number
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
south africa:
Check with your insurance provider or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA)
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south africa:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines depending on excess speed
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
south africa:
Common fine; mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
south africa:
Fines applicable, varies by local ordinance
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
south africa:
Fines applicable
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
south africa:
Yes, common with road checkpoints
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
south africa:
Varies depending on violation; typically 30 days to pay