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Driving in Afghanistan vs. Vietnam: Key Safety Differences

Embarking on a journey through Afghanistan and Vietnam? Understanding the nuances of road regulations is essential for a safe trip. While Afghanistan lacks dedicated bus and cycle lanes, Vietnam boasts structured speed limits and established traffic norms. This comparison unveils crucial distinctions in lane markings, speed regulations, and road etiquette that every traveler should consider.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
vietnam:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
afghanistan:
Not commonly used.
vietnam:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Bus Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
vietnam:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
vietnam:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
vietnam:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
afghanistan:
No
vietnam:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
afghanistan:
N/A
vietnam:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
afghanistan:
N/A
vietnam:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
afghanistan:
N/A
vietnam:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
vietnam:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
afghanistan:
25-40 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
afghanistan:
25 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
80-100 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
afghanistan:
60-80 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
afghanistan:
100-120 km/h
vietnam:
90-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
afghanistan:
N/A
vietnam:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
afghanistan:
Yes, fines can be issued instantly
vietnam:
Common

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
afghanistan:
Not used in Afghanistan
vietnam:
Not used in Vietnam
Horn Usage: Allowed
afghanistan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
vietnam:
Commonly used in urban areas
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
afghanistan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
vietnam:
Limited restriction
Horn Usage: Penalties
afghanistan:
Fines may apply for misuse
vietnam:
Fines in some areas for excessive use
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
afghanistan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
vietnam:
Discouraged for signaling other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
afghanistan:
Pashto, Dari
vietnam:
Vietnamese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
afghanistan:
Standard symbols used
vietnam:
Triangle-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
afghanistan:
Not usually allowed
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
afghanistan:
Varies; check for signs
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
afghanistan:
International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
afghanistan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
afghanistan:
Displayed on windshield
vietnam:
Displayed on the windshield

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
afghanistan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
vietnam:
Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
afghanistan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
vietnam:
Expected in congested traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
afghanistan:
Only in emergency situations
vietnam:
Common but limited by law in cities
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
afghanistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
vietnam:
Frequent use compared to Western countries
Pedestrians Priority
afghanistan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
vietnam:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
afghanistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
vietnam:
Pull over and stop, if possible

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
vietnam:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
vietnam:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
afghanistan:
0.00%
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Random Checks
afghanistan:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
vietnam:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
afghanistan:
Varies by region; can be substantial
vietnam:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
afghanistan:
112
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
afghanistan:
Dial local police station
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
afghanistan:
Check with your insurance provider; limited services
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
afghanistan:
Varies; 500 AFN and above
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
afghanistan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
afghanistan:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
afghanistan:
Fines apply for use while driving
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
afghanistan:
Fines apply, point system not common
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
afghanistan:
Yes; fines may be paid instantly
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
afghanistan:
Varies; typically within a few days
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days