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Driving Differences: Australia vs Bahamas Explained

When navigating the roads of Australia and the Bahamas, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that shape their experience on the highways. Key contrasts include speed limits, lane markings, and alcohol consumption thresholds, all of which are crucial for ensuring safe travel. Understanding these variations is essential for a secure journey abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels.
bahamas:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes.
bahamas:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
australia:
Allowed
bahamas:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
australia:
Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
bahamas:
Not allowed.
Bus Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
bahamas:
Not common.
Bus Lanes: Usage
australia:
Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted.
bahamas:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
australia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs.
bahamas:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
bahamas:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
australia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
bahamas:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
australia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
bahamas:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
bahamas:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
australia:
Minimum two or more occupants
bahamas:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
bahamas:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
bahamas:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
australia:
50 km/h
bahamas:
25 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
australia:
40 km/h
bahamas:
25 mph
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
80-100 km/h
bahamas:
45 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
australia:
80-100 km/h
bahamas:
45 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
80-100 km/h
bahamas:
45 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
100-110 km/h
bahamas:
No highways
Highways: Buses And Vans
australia:
100-110 km/h
bahamas:
No highways
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
90-100 km/h
bahamas:
No highways
Speed Units
australia:
km/h
bahamas:
mph
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
bahamas:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
bahamas:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
australia:
Common; may vary by area.
bahamas:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
bahamas:
Not used
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
bahamas:
Signal when exiting

Turns

Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
bahamas:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
bahamas:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
bahamas:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
bahamas:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
australia:
Varies by state; proof may be required
bahamas:
Yes, annual inspections required for all vehicles
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
australia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states
bahamas:
Displayed on license plate or windshield

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
australia:
0.05%
bahamas:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
australia:
0.02%
bahamas:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
bahamas:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
bahamas:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
bahamas:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
australia:
Signal right if intending to turn immediately
bahamas:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Lane Usage: Left
australia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe
bahamas:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
bahamas:
919
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
bahamas:
911
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
bahamas:
Check with your insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
bahamas:
Varies; $50 to $500, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
bahamas:
$25 to $200, points may apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
bahamas:
$50 to $300, points may apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
bahamas:
$100 to $500, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
bahamas:
Yes; can also be paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
bahamas:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay