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Driving Differences: Bahamas vs. Vanuatu Explained

When exploring the unique road rules of the Bahamas and Vanuatu, it's essential to understand their distinct driving cultures. While the Bahamas mandates driving on the left and prohibits overtaking on the left, Vanuatu offers a right-side driving experience with specific overtaking regulations. Familiarizing yourself with these nuances is crucial for ensuring a secure journey in each destination.

Lanes

Driving Side
bahamas:
Left
vanuatu:
Right
Overtaking: On Right
bahamas:
Not allowed.
vanuatu:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bahamas:
Use leftmost lane.
vanuatu:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bahamas:
Not common.
vanuatu:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
bahamas:
N/A
vanuatu:
Not applicable in Vanuatu.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bahamas:
N/A
vanuatu:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bahamas:
N/A
vanuatu:
Bicycles generally share the road with cars.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bahamas:
N/A
vanuatu:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bahamas:
N/A
vanuatu:
Not applicable in Vanuatu.
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahamas:
N/A
vanuatu:
Not commonly used in Vanuatu.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
bahamas:
25 mph
vanuatu:
30-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bahamas:
25 mph
vanuatu:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bahamas:
45 mph
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bahamas:
45 mph
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bahamas:
45 mph
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bahamas:
No highways
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bahamas:
No highways
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bahamas:
No highways
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Speed Units
bahamas:
mph
vanuatu:
km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahamas:
N/A
vanuatu:
Not commonly used in Vanuatu.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bahamas:
Yes
vanuatu:
Rare
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bahamas:
Yes
vanuatu:
Yes; fines can be issued directly.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bahamas:
Not used
vanuatu:
Not used in Vanuatu

Turns

Right Turn On Red
bahamas:
Prohibited
vanuatu:
Not typically allowed
U- Turns Allowed
bahamas:
Varies by location; check for signs
vanuatu:
Varies; check local regulations and signs

Documentation

Insurance
bahamas:
Liability insurance mandatory
vanuatu:
Third-party insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bahamas:
Yes, annual inspections required for all vehicles
vanuatu:
Required; proof may be checked during traffic stops
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bahamas:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
vanuatu:
No standard requirement
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahamas:
Not mandatory
vanuatu:
Recommended but not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bahamas:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
vanuatu:
Pull to the side and stop, if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
bahamas:
0.08%
vanuatu:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bahamas:
0.05%
vanuatu:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bahamas:
0.00%; zero tolerance
vanuatu:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
bahamas:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
vanuatu:
Occasional
Enforcement: Fines
bahamas:
Varies; can be substantial
vanuatu:
Fines can be substantial
Test Refusal
bahamas:
Can result in license suspension
vanuatu:
Can lead to penalties including fines or arrest

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
bahamas:
Signal left when preparing to exit
vanuatu:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bahamas:
919
vanuatu:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bahamas:
911
vanuatu:
112 for general assistance
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bahamas:
Check with your insurance provider
vanuatu:
Check with your insurance provider or local agencies

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bahamas:
Varies; $50 to $500, points on license
vanuatu:
Varies; can be significant
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bahamas:
$25 to $200, points may apply
vanuatu:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
bahamas:
$50 to $300, points may apply
vanuatu:
Fines apply for use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bahamas:
$100 to $500, points on license
vanuatu:
Fines applicable
Payment: On The Spot
bahamas:
Yes; can also be paid online or by mail
vanuatu:
Possible; or through police stations