Driving in Bahrain vs. Tonga: Key Differences Explained
Discover the contrasting road regulations and driving customs between Bahrain and Tonga. While Bahrain adheres to right-side driving with strict speed limits and comprehensive traffic protocols, Tonga favors left-side navigation and a more relaxed approach to speed enforcement. Understanding these key distinctions is vital for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in either destination.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in bahrain is the Right Side of the road
76
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in bahrain is 76
0.531 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for bahrain is 0.531 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
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Indicates separation, no crossing unless during emergencies. | Often used to separate traffic directions. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Typically used to indicate a turning lane or lane merging. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Generally not allowed unless in multi-lane roads. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses during peak hours. | N/A | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | N/A | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes, but limited. | No | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Primarily on designated routes. | N/A | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and white lines. | N/A | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | N/A |
Driving Side
bahrain:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bahrain:
Indicates separation, no crossing unless during emergencies.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bahrain:
Typically used to indicate a turning lane or lane merging.
tonga:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
bahrain:
Generally not allowed unless in multi-lane roads.
tonga:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
bahrain:
List length: 4
tonga:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bahrain:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bahrain:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
bahrain:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
bahrain:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bahrain:
Yes, but limited.
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bahrain:
Primarily on designated routes.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bahrain:
Bicycle symbols and white lines.
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bahrain:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahrain:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Speeds Limits
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-40 km/h | 40 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | No specific highways with designated higher speed limits | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | N/A | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | N/A | |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes | No widespread use | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, both on-the-spot and mailed fines | Common; paid directly to traffic officers |
Urban Areas: Standard
bahrain:
50 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bahrain:
30-40 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bahrain:
80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bahrain:
100-120 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
bahrain:
100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahrain:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bahrain:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bahrain:
Yes, both on-the-spot and mailed fines
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers
Signals
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Bahrain | Not commonly used in Tonga | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Use indicators appropriately | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Used as a signal of road rage or aggression | Not to be used to signal other messages | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Arabic and English; symbols are standard | English and Tongan; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with a red border | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bahrain:
Not used in Bahrain
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bahrain:
Signal when entering and exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bahrain:
Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas
tonga:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
bahrain:
Fines for misuse
tonga:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
bahrain:
To warn other drivers of your presence
tonga:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
bahrain:
Used as a signal of road rage or aggression
tonga:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
bahrain:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bahrain:
Triangular with a red border
tonga:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
Turns
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless indicated by a sign | Prohibited | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless no U-turn sign is present | Varies by location; check for signs |
Right Turn On Red
bahrain:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign
tonga:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
bahrain:
Permitted unless no U-turn sign is present
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs
Documentation
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit often required | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual vehicle inspections mandatory | Required; proof may be required | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bahrain:
International Driving Permit often required
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bahrain:
International Driving Permit required
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bahrain:
Annual vehicle inspections mandatory
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate horn 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 left and stop if necessary |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bahrain:
Moderate horn use compared to some countries
tonga:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bahrain:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
tonga:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
Discover the contrasting road regulations and driving customs between Bahrain and Tonga. While Bahrain adheres to right-side driving with strict speed limits and comprehensive traffic protocols, Tonga favors left-side navigation and a more relaxed approach to speed enforcement. Understanding these key distinctions is vital for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in either destination.
Alcohol
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.08% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | Zero tolerance | |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, especially during nighttime | Common at specific times or checkpoints | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; both fines and imprisonment possible | Varies; can be substantial | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and legal actions | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bahrain:
Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol
tonga:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Enforcement: Random Checks
bahrain:
Common, especially during nighttime
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
bahrain:
Substantial; both fines and imprisonment possible
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
bahrain:
Can result in license suspension and legal actions
tonga:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal left when preparing to exit |
Signaling: Exiting
bahrain:
Signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Emergency Services
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 999 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 999 | Contact local police | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact your insurance provider | Check with your insurance provider | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
bahrain:
999
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
bahrain:
999
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bahrain:
Contact your insurance provider
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension | Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | High fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines for non-compliance | Mandatory; fines for non-compliance | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for using mobile phones while driving | Fines for handheld phone use while driving | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Heavy fines, possible license points | Fines apply | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines can also be paid online | Common; fines usually paid immediately | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay | Immediate payment preferred |
Common Fines: Speeding
bahrain:
Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Alcohol
bahrain:
High fines, possible imprisonment
tonga:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bahrain:
Fines for non-compliance
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
bahrain:
Fines applicable for using mobile phones while driving
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bahrain:
Heavy fines, possible license points
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
bahrain:
Possible; fines can also be paid online
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
bahrain:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred