Driving in Austria vs. South Africa: Key Safety Differences
When comparing the road regulations between Austria and South Africa, distinct contrasts emerge that are vital for ensuring safety while driving abroad. From lane usage—where Austrians drive on the right and South Africans on the left—to varying speed limits and protocols for emergency vehicles, understanding these nuances can greatly enhance your driving experience. Explore these essential driving distinctions to navigate confidently on international roads.
Driving Side
The driving side in austria is the Right Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in austria is 86
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for austria is 1.628 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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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Used primarily near tram lines or in temporary roadworks. | Marks the right edge on roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Marks temporary lane changes or works in progress. | Used to demarcate lanes on certain roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Yes | Allowed | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed only in certain situations such as when the vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn. | Prohibited unless turning. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes bicycles. | Reserved for buses; marked with road signs and lane markings. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | May include the word 'BUS' and specific coloring. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | 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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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 40 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 130 km/h | 120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 100-120 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; fines may also be mailed. | Yes, common in South Africa |
Signals
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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Indicates upcoming green light; prepare to move. | Not used in South Africa | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | German; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with red border | Triangular shape with a red border |
Turns
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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless indicated by a sign or traffic light | Not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited in urban areas unless a sign permits it | Allowed at designated places; check for signs. |
Documentation
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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; International Driving Permit not needed | Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, proof may be required | Required when transferring ownership or relicensing a vehicle | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate | Not applicable | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary |
When comparing the road regulations between Austria and South Africa, distinct contrasts emerge that are vital for ensuring safety while driving abroad. From lane usage—where Austrians drive on the right and South Africans on the left—to varying speed limits and protocols for emergency vehicles, understanding these nuances can greatly enhance your driving experience. Explore these essential driving distinctions to navigate confidently on international roads.
Alcohol
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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.01% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.01% | 0.00% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common | Common; roadblocks are used frequently | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; varies by offense | Substantial; varies based on offense | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension and additional fines |
Roundabouts
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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal left when preparing to exit |
Emergency Services
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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 112 or 10111 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 133 | Call general emergency number | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | 120 (ÖAMTC) or 123 (ARBÖ) | Check with your insurance provider or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA) | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Austria | South africa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; €30 to €2,180, points on license | Varies; substantial fines depending on excess speed | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply | Common fine; mandatory use | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply, points on license | Fines applicable, varies by local ordinance | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines apply, points on license | Fines applicable | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common | Yes, common with road checkpoints | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 days to pay | Varies depending on violation; typically 30 days to pay |