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Driving Safety: Australia vs. Ghana Differences

When exploring the unique road regulations between Australia and Ghana, it’s clear that distinct practices shape the driving experience in each nation. From varying speed limits and lane usage to contrasting signaling protocols at roundabouts, understanding these disparities is crucial for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Drive safely and be informed!

Lanes

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

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
ghana:
Not used in Ghana
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
ghana:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
australia:
English; symbols are standard
ghana:
English
Traffic Signs: Warning
australia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
ghana:
Triangular with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
ghana:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
ghana:
Prohibited unless indicated

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
australia:
Varies by state; proof may be required
ghana:
Mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
australia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states
ghana:
Displayed on vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory
ghana:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
australia:
0.05%
ghana:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
australia:
0.02%
ghana:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
ghana:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
ghana:
Yes, used occasionally
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
ghana:
Substantial

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
ghana:
191
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
ghana:
18555
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
ghana:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
ghana:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
ghana:
Moderate fines
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
ghana:
Fines apply for holding and using a phone
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
ghana:
Common
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
ghana:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay