Driving Differences: Australia vs Uzbekistan Explained
When venturing onto the roads of Australia or Uzbekistan, understanding the distinct regulations and practices can significantly enhance your safety. Key differences include driving on the left in Australia versus the right in Uzbekistan, as well as varying speed limits and lane usage norms. Familiarizing yourself with these contrasts will ensure a smoother, more secure journey abroad.
Lanes
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels. | Typically used to separate opposing traffic on undivided 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. | Generally discouraged, unless unavoidable. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 5 | List length: 4 |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use the rightmost lane where possible. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes | Limited |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted. | Reserved for buses in some areas. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS'; often indicated by signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Limited, mostly in urban areas. |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles. | Exclusive for bicycles where present. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | May have bicycle symbols or distinct paint. |
| 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 |
Driving Side
australia:
Left
uzbekistan:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels.
uzbekistan:
Typically used to separate opposing traffic on undivided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes.
uzbekistan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
australia:
Allowed
uzbekistan:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
australia:
Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
uzbekistan:
Generally discouraged, unless unavoidable.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
australia:
List length: 5
uzbekistan:
List length: 4
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
australia:
Use leftmost lane.
uzbekistan:
Use the rightmost lane where possible.
Bus Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
uzbekistan:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
australia:
Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted.
uzbekistan:
Reserved for buses in some areas.
Bus Lanes: Markings
australia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs.
uzbekistan:
Labeled 'BUS'; often indicated by signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
uzbekistan:
Limited, mostly in urban areas.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
australia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
uzbekistan:
Exclusive for bicycles where present.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
australia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
uzbekistan:
May have bicycle symbols or distinct paint.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
uzbekistan:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
australia:
Minimum two or more occupants
uzbekistan:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
uzbekistan:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
uzbekistan:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-110 km/h | 110 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100-110 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90-100 km/h | 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; issued by traffic police |
Urban Areas: Standard
australia:
50 km/h
uzbekistan:
60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
australia:
40 km/h
uzbekistan:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
80-100 km/h
uzbekistan:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
australia:
80-100 km/h
uzbekistan:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
80-100 km/h
uzbekistan:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
100-110 km/h
uzbekistan:
110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
australia:
100-110 km/h
uzbekistan:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
90-100 km/h
uzbekistan:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
australia:
Yes
uzbekistan:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
australia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
uzbekistan:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
australia:
Common; may vary by area.
uzbekistan:
Yes; issued by traffic police
Signals
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used. | Not used in Uzbekistan |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Discouraged at night in residential areas |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Generally uncommon, as vehicle indicators are expected |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Uzbek and Russian; symbols are standard |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
uzbekistan:
Not used in Uzbekistan
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
uzbekistan:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
australia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
uzbekistan:
Discouraged at night in residential areas
Headlight Flash: Usage
australia:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
uzbekistan:
To warn other drivers of your presence
Hand Signals: Common Usage
australia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
uzbekistan:
Generally uncommon, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
australia:
English; symbols are standard
uzbekistan:
Uzbek and Russian; symbols are standard
Turns
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed, except where signage permits. | Prohibited unless indicated otherwise |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. | Allowed except where prohibited by signs |
Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
uzbekistan:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
uzbekistan:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs
Documentation
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted with International Driving Permit |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted with International Driving Permit |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Varies by state; proof may be required | Annual inspections required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states | Displayed on the windshield |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
uzbekistan:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
uzbekistan:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
australia:
Varies by state; proof may be required
uzbekistan:
Annual inspections required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
australia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states
uzbekistan:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory
uzbekistan:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
australia:
Not mandatory
uzbekistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Road Etiquette
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Encouraged |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Generally more frequent due to local driving habits |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
australia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
uzbekistan:
Encouraged
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
australia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
uzbekistan:
Generally more frequent due to local driving habits
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
australia:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
uzbekistan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
Alcohol
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance in all states. | 0.00%; zero tolerance for drivers under 21 |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; roadside breath testing often conducted | Common; checkpoints are frequently utilized |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by state; can be substantial | Substantial, varies by severity of infraction |
Limits: Professional Drivers
australia:
0.02%
uzbekistan:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
uzbekistan:
0.00%; zero tolerance for drivers under 21
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
uzbekistan:
Common; checkpoints are frequently utilized
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
uzbekistan:
Substantial, varies by severity of infraction
Roundabouts
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
uzbekistan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
australia:
Signal left when preparing to exit
uzbekistan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
australia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe
uzbekistan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 000 | 103 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by state; contact local police | 102 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or NRMA | Check with your insurance provider |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory |
Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
uzbekistan:
103
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
uzbekistan:
102
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
uzbekistan:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
uzbekistan:
Mandatory
Penalties And Fines
| Australia | Uzbekistan | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible | Varies; fines based on km/h over the limit |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible | Fines for non-compliance |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible | Fines for using phone while driving |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible | Fines issued, points on license possible |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; varies by jurisdiction. | Not typical; fines often paid through bank or office |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay | Varies; typically within 30 days |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible for severe violations or unpaid fines |
Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
uzbekistan:
Varies; fines based on km/h over the limit
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
uzbekistan:
Fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
uzbekistan:
Fines for using phone while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
uzbekistan:
Fines issued, points on license possible
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
uzbekistan:
Not typical; fines often paid through bank or office
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
uzbekistan:
Varies; typically within 30 days
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
australia:
Possible if fines are not paid
uzbekistan:
Possible for severe violations or unpaid fines