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Driving Differences: Australia vs. Tunisia Explained

When exploring the diverse road regulations of Australia and Tunisia, travelers can encounter distinct practices that influence their vehicular experience. Key contrasts include driving on the left in Australia versus the right in Tunisia, differing speed limits, and unique lane usage rules. Understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring a secure journey abroad.

Lanes

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

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
tunisia:
Not typically used
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
tunisia:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
australia:
English; symbols are standard
tunisia:
Arabic and French; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
tunisia:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
tunisia:
Allowed at intersections unless otherwise posted

Documentation

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

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
australia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
tunisia:
Encouraged, especially in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
australia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
tunisia:
Moderate use
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
australia:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
tunisia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
australia:
0.02%
tunisia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
tunisia:
0.00%; zero tolerance policy
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
tunisia:
Common; checkpoints used broadly
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
tunisia:
Substantial; varies by offense

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
tunisia:
197
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
tunisia:
197
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
tunisia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
tunisia:
Varies; DT 40 to DT 500
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
tunisia:
DT 40
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
tunisia:
DT 60
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
tunisia:
Varies; DT 60 to DT 200
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
tunisia:
Yes
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
tunisia:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay