Driving in Australia vs. Costa Rica: Key Differences Explained
When exploring the roads of Australia and Costa Rica, understanding their unique traffic regulations and driving customs is vital for a safe journey. While Australia drives on the left and emphasizes bus lanes, Costa Rica opts for right-side navigation and shared road usage for buses. Discover these fascinating contrasts to enhance your travel experience.
LEFT
Driving Side
The driving side in australia is the Left Side of the road
87
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in australia is 87
1.032 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for australia is 1.032 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Allowed | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted. | Buses typically use regular traffic lanes. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs. | N/A | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Limited | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles. | Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | N/A | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Yes | No | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Minimum two or more occupants | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | Speed limits are generally static. |
Driving Side
australia:
Left
costa rica:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels.
costa rica:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes.
costa rica:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
australia:
Allowed
costa rica:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
australia:
Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
costa rica:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
australia:
Use leftmost lane.
costa rica:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
costa rica:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
australia:
Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted.
costa rica:
Buses typically use regular traffic lanes.
Bus Lanes: Markings
australia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs.
costa rica:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
costa rica:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
australia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
costa rica:
Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
australia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
costa rica:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
costa rica:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
australia:
Minimum two or more occupants
costa rica:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
costa rica:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
Speeds Limits
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 25-40 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 25 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-110 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100-110 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90-100 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | Speed limits are generally static. | |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes | Limited use | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; may vary by area. | Common; fines may be issued by police roadside |
Urban Areas: Standard
australia:
50 km/h
costa rica:
25-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
australia:
40 km/h
costa rica:
25 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
80-100 km/h
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
australia:
80-100 km/h
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
80-100 km/h
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
100-110 km/h
costa rica:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
australia:
100-110 km/h
costa rica:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
90-100 km/h
costa rica:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
costa rica:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
australia:
Yes
costa rica:
Limited use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
australia:
Common; may vary by area.
costa rica:
Common; fines may be issued by police roadside
Signals
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used. | Not used in Costa Rica | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Spanish; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Triangle-shaped with red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
costa rica:
Not used in Costa Rica
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
costa rica:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
australia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
costa rica:
Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines
Traffic Signs: Language
australia:
English; symbols are standard
costa rica:
Spanish; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
australia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
costa rica:
Triangle-shaped with red border
Turns
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed, except where signage permits. | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. | Prohibited unless indicated otherwise |
Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
costa rica:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
costa rica:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
Documentation
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Varies by state; proof may be required | Annual inspection required; proof required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states | Displayed on the windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
australia:
Varies by state; proof may be required
costa rica:
Annual inspection required; proof required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
australia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states
costa rica:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory
costa rica:
Mandatory
Road Etiquette
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use is common to signal intentions | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
australia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
costa rica:
Frequent use is common to signal intentions
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
australia:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
costa rica:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
When exploring the roads of Australia and Costa Rica, understanding their unique traffic regulations and driving customs is vital for a safe journey. While Australia drives on the left and emphasizes bus lanes, Costa Rica opts for right-side navigation and shared road usage for buses. Discover these fascinating contrasts to enhance your travel experience.
Alcohol
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance in all states. | 0.00% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; roadside breath testing often conducted | Common; checkpoints are used throughout | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by state; can be substantial | Can be substantial; varies by offense severity |
Limits: Professional Drivers
australia:
0.02%
costa rica:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
costa rica:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
costa rica:
Common; checkpoints are used throughout
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
costa rica:
Can be substantial; varies by offense severity
Roundabouts
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal right if intending to turn immediately | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Signaling: Entering
australia:
Signal right if intending to turn immediately
costa rica:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
australia:
Signal left when preparing to exit
costa rica:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
australia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe
costa rica:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 000 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by state; contact local police | 911 or direct number depending on location | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or NRMA | Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
costa rica:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
costa rica:
911 or direct number depending on location
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
costa rica:
Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
costa rica:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
australia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
costa rica:
Recommended
Penalties And Fines
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| Australia | Costa rica | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible | Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible | Fines applicable for non-compliance | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible | Fines applicable for use without hands-free | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible | Fines applicable for non-compliance | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; varies by jurisdiction. | Common; police may issue fines on the spot | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
costa rica:
Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above
Common Fines: Alcohol
australia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
costa rica:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
costa rica:
Fines applicable for use without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
costa rica:
Common; police may issue fines on the spot
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
costa rica:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay