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Driving Differences: Afghanistan vs. Spain Explained

Discover the intriguing contrasts in road regulations and driving practices between Afghanistan and Spain. From lane markings and speed limits to alcohol tolerance and emergency protocols, each country showcases unique approaches to vehicular safety. Understanding these distinctions is vital for ensuring a secure and compliant driving experience while abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
spain:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
spain:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
spain:
Prohibited unless on a one-way street.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
spain:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
spain:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
spain:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
spain:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
spain:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
spain:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
spain:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
spain:
Minimum two or three occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
spain:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
spain:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
spain:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
spain:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
spain:
80-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
spain:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
spain:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
spain:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
spain:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
spain:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
spain:
Yes, commonly used

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
spain:
Not used in Spain
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
spain:
Spanish; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
spain:
Triangular with white background and red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
spain:
Prohibited unless a sign indicates otherwise
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
spain:
Generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
spain:
Accepted; must carry license.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
spain:
International Driving Permit recommended in conjunction with national license.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
spain:
Yes, periodic inspections required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
spain:
Displayed on windshield in some areas.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
spain:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
spain:
Mandatory.

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
spain:
Used more frequently in urgent situations

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
spain:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
spain:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
spain:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
spain:
Common; checkpoints frequently used
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
spain:
Severe penalties, including high fines
Test Refusal
afghanistan:
Can result in license suspension
spain:
Can result in heavy fines and license suspension

Emergency Services

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

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
spain:
Varies; typically €100 to €600, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
spain:
Severe fines and potential imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
spain:
€200, mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
spain:
€200, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
spain:
€200, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
spain:
Yes; discount if paid promptly.
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
spain:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay