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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Switzerland: Key Differences

Exploring the contrasting road regulations between Afghanistan and Switzerland reveals significant variations that impact traveler safety. While Switzerland boasts structured lanes, strict speed limits, and well-defined traffic signals, Afghanistan's driving environment lacks such formalities. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring a secure driving experience in each country.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
switzerland:
Used for temporary road changes or construction zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
switzerland:
Used in temporary traffic management.
Overtaking: On Right
afghanistan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
switzerland:
Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
switzerland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
switzerland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
switzerland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
switzerland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
switzerland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
afghanistan:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
switzerland:
Prepare to go
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
switzerland:
Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
switzerland:
Triangular-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
switzerland:
Prohibited unless a specific sign allows it
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
switzerland:
Allowed unless prohibited by sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
switzerland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-French/German/Italian speaking licenses
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
switzerland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
switzerland:
Vehicle inspection is required regularly; proof must be available
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
switzerland:
Proof of inspection is kept in the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
switzerland:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
switzerland:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
switzerland:
Common; police conduct random breath tests
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
switzerland:
Substantial; fines can be based on income
Test Refusal
afghanistan:
Can result in license suspension
switzerland:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
afghanistan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
switzerland:
No signaling normally required when entering
Lane Usage: Right
afghanistan:
Use for first exit or straight
switzerland:
Use for the first exit or straight

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
switzerland:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
switzerland:
140
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
switzerland:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
switzerland:
Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
switzerland:
CHF 60
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
switzerland:
CHF 100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
switzerland:
Common; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
switzerland:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay