Driving in Australia vs Thailand: Key Safety Differences
When navigating the roads of Australia and Thailand, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that are crucial for safe travel. Key differences include lane markings, speed limits, and the use of indicators at roundabouts. Understanding these driving customs can greatly enhance your safety and confidence while exploring these diverse countries.
Driving Side
The driving side in australia is the Left Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in australia is 87
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 | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Prohibited | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| 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. | N/A |
Speeds Limits
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 50-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 50 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-110 km/h | 90-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100-110 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90-100 km/h | 80-90 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | N/A | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; may vary by area. | Yes |
Signals
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used. | Not used in Thailand | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Thai; some signs include English | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Warning signs are triangular |
Turns
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed, except where signage permits. | Not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. | Allowed at intersections unless prohibited by signs |
Documentation
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Mandatory for registration renewal | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states | Displayed on windshield after passing inspection |
Road Etiquette
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use to alert other drivers | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary |
When navigating the roads of Australia and Thailand, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that are crucial for safe travel. Key differences include lane markings, speed limits, and the use of indicators at roundabouts. Understanding these driving customs can greatly enhance your safety and confidence while exploring these diverse countries.
Alcohol
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.03% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance in all states. | 0.00%; zero tolerance | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; roadside breath testing often conducted | Common, especially during holidays | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by state; can be substantial | Substantial fines and possible imprisonment | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension and fines |
Roundabouts
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal right if intending to turn immediately | Signal if turning immediately upon entry |
Emergency Services
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 000 | 191 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by state; contact local police | 1193 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or NRMA | Check with your insurance provider or local authorities |
Penalties And Fines
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| Australia | Thailand | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible | Varies; fines start from ฿500 | |
| 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 up to ฿500 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible | Fines up to ฿500 | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible | Fines start from ฿500 | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; varies by jurisdiction. | Common; fines can be paid at the scene | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay | Varies; typically within 7 days |