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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Uzbekistan: Key Differences

When navigating the roads of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, understanding the distinct driving regulations is crucial for ensuring a secure journey. Key contrasts include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol limits, with Afghanistan enforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy, while Uzbekistan allows a slight permissible blood alcohol content. Stay informed to drive safely in these diverse landscapes.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
uzbekistan:
Typically used to separate opposing traffic on undivided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
uzbekistan:
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.
uzbekistan:
Generally discouraged, unless unavoidable.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
afghanistan:
List length: 5
uzbekistan:
List length: 4
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
afghanistan:
Use rightmost lane.
uzbekistan:
Use the rightmost lane where possible.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
uzbekistan:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
uzbekistan:
Reserved for buses in some areas.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
uzbekistan:
Labeled 'BUS'; often indicated by signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
uzbekistan:
Limited, mostly in urban areas.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
uzbekistan:
Exclusive for bicycles where present.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
uzbekistan:
May have bicycle symbols or distinct paint.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
uzbekistan:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
uzbekistan:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
uzbekistan:
60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
uzbekistan:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
uzbekistan:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
uzbekistan:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
uzbekistan:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
uzbekistan:
110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
uzbekistan:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
uzbekistan:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
uzbekistan:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
uzbekistan:
Yes; issued by traffic police

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
uzbekistan:
Not used in Uzbekistan
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
afghanistan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
uzbekistan:
Discouraged at night in residential areas
Headlight Flash: Usage
afghanistan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
uzbekistan:
To warn other drivers of your presence
Hand Signals: Common Usage
afghanistan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
uzbekistan:
Generally uncommon, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
uzbekistan:
Uzbek and Russian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
uzbekistan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
uzbekistan:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
uzbekistan:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
uzbekistan:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
uzbekistan:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
uzbekistan:
Annual inspections required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
uzbekistan:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
uzbekistan:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
afghanistan:
Not mandatory
uzbekistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
afghanistan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
uzbekistan:
Encouraged
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
uzbekistan:
Generally more frequent due to local driving habits

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
uzbekistan:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
uzbekistan:
0.00%; zero tolerance for drivers under 21
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
uzbekistan:
Common; checkpoints are frequently utilized
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
uzbekistan:
Substantial, varies by severity of infraction

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
uzbekistan:
103
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
uzbekistan:
102
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
uzbekistan:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
afghanistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
uzbekistan:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
uzbekistan:
Varies; fines based on km/h over the limit
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
uzbekistan:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
uzbekistan:
Fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
uzbekistan:
Fines for using phone while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
uzbekistan:
Fines issued, points on license possible
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
uzbekistan:
Not typical; fines often paid through bank or office
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
uzbekistan:
Varies; typically within 30 days
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
afghanistan:
Possible if fines are not paid
uzbekistan:
Possible for severe violations or unpaid fines