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Driving in Austria vs. Hong Kong: Key Differences Explained

Discover the intriguing contrasts between driving regulations in Austria and Hong Kong. From lane usage and speed limits to emergency protocols, these countries showcase distinct approaches to road safety. Notably, Austria drives on the right while Hong Kong drives on the left, highlighting significant cultural variations in motoring practices.

Lanes

Driving Side
austria:
Right
hong kong:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
austria:
Used primarily near tram lines or in temporary roadworks.
hong kong:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
austria:
Marks temporary lane changes or works in progress.
hong kong:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
austria:
Yes
hong kong:
Prohibited; left is the normal driving lane
Overtaking: On Right
austria:
Allowed only in certain situations such as when the vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn.
hong kong:
Yes, overtaking should be done on the right.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
austria:
Use rightmost lane.
hong kong:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
austria:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes bicycles.
hong kong:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
austria:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
hong kong:
Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
austria:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
hong kong:
Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
austria:
Yes
hong kong:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
austria:
Electronic signs display current limits.
hong kong:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
austria:
30 km/h
hong kong:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
100 km/h
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
austria:
80-100 km/h
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
70-80 km/h
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
130 km/h
hong kong:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
80-100 km/h
hong kong:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
austria:
Yes
hong kong:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
austria:
Electronic signs display current limits
hong kong:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
austria:
Common; fines may also be mailed.
hong kong:
No; fines are usually sent by mail

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
austria:
Indicates upcoming green light; prepare to move.
hong kong:
Used when lights are about to turn green
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
austria:
Signal when entering and exiting
hong kong:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
austria:
German; symbols are standard
hong kong:
Chinese and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
austria:
Triangular with red border
hong kong:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
austria:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign or traffic light
hong kong:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
austria:
Prohibited in urban areas unless a sign permits it
hong kong:
Permitted unless prohibited by sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
austria:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not needed
hong kong:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
austria:
Yes, proof may be required
hong kong:
Required annually
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
austria:
Displayed on license plate
hong kong:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
austria:
Mandatory
hong kong:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
austria:
Mandatory
hong kong:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
austria:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
hong kong:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
austria:
0.01%
hong kong:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
austria:
0.01%
hong kong:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
austria:
Common
hong kong:
Common, checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
austria:
Substantial; varies by offense
hong kong:
HK$5,000 or more for first offenses

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
austria:
Signal right when preparing to exit
hong kong:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
austria:
112
hong kong:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
austria:
133
hong kong:
Varies; usually contact through 999
Contact: Roadside Assistance
austria:
120 (ÖAMTC) or 123 (ARBÖ)
hong kong:
Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
austria:
Mandatory
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
austria:
Mandatory
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
austria:
Varies; €30 to €2,180, points on license
hong kong:
Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
austria:
Fines apply
hong kong:
HK$5,000, potential imprisonment
Common Fines: Phone Use
austria:
Fines apply, points on license
hong kong:
HK$2,000, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
austria:
Fines apply, points on license
hong kong:
HK$900, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
austria:
Common
hong kong:
Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
austria:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
hong kong:
Varies; typically 14 to 30 days to pay