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Driving Differences: Afghanistan vs. Tonga Explained

When traversing the roads of Afghanistan and Tonga, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices crucial for ensuring a secure journey. Key disparities include driving sides—right in Afghanistan versus left in Tonga—and varying speed limits, with urban areas showcasing noteworthy contrasts. Understanding these variations is vital for safe navigation in either country.

Lanes

Driving Side
afghanistan:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
tonga:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
afghanistan:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
afghanistan:
Signal when exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
tonga:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
tonga:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
tonga:
Required; proof may be required

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
afghanistan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
tonga:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred