Driving in Azerbaijan vs. United Kingdom: Key Differences
Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom showcase significant contrasts in their road regulations and driving customs. From lane usage to speed limits and signaling practices, understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring a secure experience while navigating foreign streets. Prepare to explore the essential driving differences that impact safety and compliance in both nations.
Lanes
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left |
| Markings: Solid White Line | No crossing or lane changes allowed. | Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle). |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center on undivided roads. | Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions. |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | No crossing in either direction. | Do not cross or straddle in either direction. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK. |
| Overtaking: On Right | In some cases, such as if the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Railroad crossings | Near schools |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved primarily for buses and sometimes other public transport vehicles. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often marked by road signs. | Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Mainly in major cities and occasionally shared with bus lanes. | Mostly exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Limited | No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Often designated for buses and public transport. | N/A |
Driving Side
azerbaijan:
Right
united kingdom:
Left
Markings: Solid White Line
azerbaijan:
No crossing or lane changes allowed.
united kingdom:
Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle).
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
azerbaijan:
Marks the center on undivided roads.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
azerbaijan:
No crossing in either direction.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
azerbaijan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Right
azerbaijan:
In some cases, such as if the vehicle ahead is turning left.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
azerbaijan:
Railroad crossings
united kingdom:
Near schools
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
azerbaijan:
Use rightmost lane.
united kingdom:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
azerbaijan:
Reserved primarily for buses and sometimes other public transport vehicles.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
azerbaijan:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked by road signs.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
azerbaijan:
Limited
united kingdom:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
azerbaijan:
Mainly in major cities and occasionally shared with bus lanes.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
azerbaijan:
N/A
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
azerbaijan:
Limited
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
azerbaijan:
Often designated for buses and public transport.
united kingdom:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30 mph |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20 km/h | 20 mph in some areas |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 60 mph |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 50 mph |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 50 mph |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 110 km/h | 70 mph |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 110 km/h | 60 mph |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 110 km/h | 60 mph |
| Speed Units | km/h | mph |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common practice; fines can also be mailed. | Not typically used; fines are usually mailed |
Urban Areas: Standard
azerbaijan:
40-60 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
azerbaijan:
20 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
azerbaijan:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
azerbaijan:
Common practice; fines can also be mailed.
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed
Signals
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Azerbaijan | Prepare to go, not used in the USA |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Azerbaijani; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle-shaped with red border | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
azerbaijan:
Not used in Azerbaijan
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
azerbaijan:
Signal when exiting
united kingdom:
Signal when entering and exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
azerbaijan:
Azerbaijani; symbols are standard
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
azerbaijan:
Triangle-shaped with red border
united kingdom:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Generally not allowed, unless a green arrow is shown | Not permitted in the UK |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Left turns permitted; use caution |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Varies by locality; check for signs | Allowed except where prohibited by signage |
Right Turn On Red
azerbaijan:
Generally not allowed, unless a green arrow is shown
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
azerbaijan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
azerbaijan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
azerbaijan:
Varies by locality; check for signs
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage
Documentation
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit often required alongside national license |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual technical inspection required | MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Provided upon successful inspection | Not displayed; records are electronic |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
azerbaijan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
azerbaijan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
azerbaijan:
Annual technical inspection required
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
azerbaijan:
Provided upon successful inspection
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
azerbaijan:
Moderate use compared to some countries
united kingdom:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
azerbaijan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
united kingdom:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
Alcohol
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.03% | 0.08% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.02% |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Occasional; fines and penalties apply | Common; checkpoints used in some areas |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | Substantial fines apply |
Limits: General Drivers
azerbaijan:
0.03%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
azerbaijan:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
azerbaijan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
united kingdom:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
azerbaijan:
Occasional; fines and penalties apply
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
azerbaijan:
Can be substantial
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Roundabouts
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit |
Signaling: Entering
azerbaijan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Lane Usage: Right
azerbaijan:
Use for first exit or straight
united kingdom:
Use for first exit
Emergency Services
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 102 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Call your insurance provider or local service | Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
azerbaijan:
112
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
azerbaijan:
102
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
azerbaijan:
Call your insurance provider or local service
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Azerbaijan | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be significant depending on excess speed | Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Significant fines | £100 fine |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Significant fines, possible license points | £200 and 6 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Significant fines, points on license | £100 fine and 3 penalty points |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; and fines can also be paid online or by mail | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 days to pay | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
azerbaijan:
Varies; can be significant depending on excess speed
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Seat Belts
azerbaijan:
Significant fines
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
azerbaijan:
Significant fines, possible license points
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
azerbaijan:
Significant fines, points on license
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
azerbaijan:
Possible; and fines can also be paid online or by mail
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
azerbaijan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay