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Driving Differences: Australia vs Sri Lanka

When traversing the roads of Australia and Sri Lanka, it’s essential to understand the distinct traffic regulations and practices that govern each nation. From lane markings and speed limits to the use of indicators and alcohol restrictions, these variations can significantly impact your journey. Stay informed to ensure a secure and enjoyable driving experience abroad.

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.

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Lanes

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

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Urban Areas: Residential Zones
australia:
40 km/h
sri lanka:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
80-100 km/h
sri lanka:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
australia:
80-100 km/h
sri lanka:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
80-100 km/h
sri lanka:
60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
100-110 km/h
sri lanka:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
australia:
100-110 km/h
sri lanka:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
90-100 km/h
sri lanka:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
sri lanka:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
sri lanka:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
australia:
Common; may vary by area.
sri lanka:
Yes; fines are applied at the time of citation
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
sri lanka:
Not used in Sri Lanka
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
sri lanka:
Signal when exiting
Hand Signals: Common Usage
australia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sri lanka:
Used more frequently in rural areas
Traffic Signs: Language
australia:
English; symbols are standard
sri lanka:
Sinhala, Tamil, and sometimes English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
australia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sri lanka:
Triangular shape with a red border and a white background
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
sri lanka:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
sri lanka:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
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Documentation

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

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Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
australia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sri lanka:
Frequent use compared to some countries

When traversing the roads of Australia and Sri Lanka, it’s essential to understand the distinct traffic regulations and practices that govern each nation. From lane markings and speed limits to the use of indicators and alcohol restrictions, these variations can significantly impact your journey. Stay informed to ensure a secure and enjoyable driving experience abroad.

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Alcohol

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Limits: General Drivers
australia:
0.05%
sri lanka:
0.06%
Limits: Professional Drivers
australia:
0.02%
sri lanka:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
sri lanka:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
sri lanka:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
sri lanka:
Can be substantial
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Roundabouts

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

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Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
sri lanka:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
sri lanka:
119 or contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
sri lanka:
Check with your insurance provider
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
sri lanka:
Varies; expect substantial fines
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
sri lanka:
Possible; fines may be paid on the spot
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
sri lanka:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay