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Azerbaijan vs Tonga: Key Driving Differences Explained

Azerbaijan and Tonga present intriguing contrasts in their roadway regulations and driving customs. From the differing sides of the road that motorists navigate—right in Azerbaijan and left in Tonga—to variations in speed limits and lane usage, understanding these distinctions is vital for ensuring a secure and compliant travel experience abroad. Explore these essential driving guidelines to stay safe on your journey!

Lanes

Driving Side
azerbaijan:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
azerbaijan:
Marks the center on undivided roads.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Overtaking: On Right
azerbaijan:
In some cases, such as if the vehicle ahead is turning left.
tonga:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
azerbaijan:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
azerbaijan:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
azerbaijan:
Reserved primarily for buses and sometimes other public transport vehicles.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
azerbaijan:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked by road signs.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
azerbaijan:
Limited
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
azerbaijan:
Mainly in major cities and occasionally shared with bus lanes.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
azerbaijan:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
azerbaijan:
Limited
tonga:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
azerbaijan:
Often designated for buses and public transport.
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
azerbaijan:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
azerbaijan:
Electronic signs display current limits.
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
azerbaijan:
40-60 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
azerbaijan:
20 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
azerbaijan:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
azerbaijan:
Electronic signs display current limits
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
azerbaijan:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
azerbaijan:
Common practice; fines can also be mailed.
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
azerbaijan:
Not used in Azerbaijan
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
azerbaijan:
Signal when exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Traffic Signs: Language
azerbaijan:
Azerbaijani; symbols are standard
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
azerbaijan:
Triangle-shaped with red border
tonga:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
azerbaijan:
Generally not allowed, unless a green arrow is shown
tonga:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
azerbaijan:
Varies by locality; check for signs
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
azerbaijan:
Annual technical inspection required
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
azerbaijan:
Provided upon successful inspection
tonga:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
azerbaijan:
Moderate use compared to some countries
tonga:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
azerbaijan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
tonga:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
azerbaijan:
0.03%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
azerbaijan:
0.00%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
azerbaijan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
azerbaijan:
Occasional; fines and penalties apply
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
azerbaijan:
Can be substantial
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
azerbaijan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
azerbaijan:
112
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
azerbaijan:
102
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
azerbaijan:
Call your insurance provider or local service
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
azerbaijan:
Varies; can be significant depending on excess speed
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Seat Belts
azerbaijan:
Significant fines
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
azerbaijan:
Significant fines, possible license points
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
azerbaijan:
Significant fines, points on license
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
azerbaijan:
Possible; and fines can also be paid online or by mail
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
azerbaijan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred