Driving in Bangladesh vs. United Kingdom: Key Differences
When exploring the roads of Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that greatly influence their travel experiences. Notably, while Bangladesh features fewer lane markings and stricter alcohol limits, the UK emphasizes advanced signaling and variable speed limits. Understanding these crucial disparities is essential for ensuring safe and enjoyable journeys in either destination.
Lanes
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 right edge on some 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 | Often used to indicate a centerline; passing permitted when safe. | Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Generally not allowed. | Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Railroad crossings | Near schools |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes, in major cities | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses during peak hours. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Often marked with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Bicycles generally use the edge of the road. | Mostly exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid White Line
bangladesh:
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
bangladesh:
Marks the right edge on some roads.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
bangladesh:
No crossing in either direction.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bangladesh:
Often used to indicate a centerline; passing permitted when safe.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Right
bangladesh:
Generally not allowed.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
bangladesh:
Railroad crossings
united kingdom:
Near schools
Bus Lanes: Presence
bangladesh:
Yes, in major cities
united kingdom:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bangladesh:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bangladesh:
Often marked with road signs.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bangladesh:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bangladesh:
Bicycles generally use the edge of the road.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bangladesh:
N/A
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
bangladesh:
No
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bangladesh:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bangladesh:
N/A
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 25-50 km/h | 30 mph |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 20 mph in some areas |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 60 mph |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 50 mph |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 50-70 km/h | 50 mph |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 70 mph |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 60 mph |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 60 mph |
| Speed Units | km/h | mph |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes, in major areas | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common practice | Not typically used; fines are usually mailed |
Urban Areas: Standard
bangladesh:
25-50 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bangladesh:
30 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bangladesh:
60-80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bangladesh:
60-80 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bangladesh:
50-70 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bangladesh:
80-100 km/h
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
bangladesh:
80-100 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bangladesh:
60-80 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
bangladesh:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bangladesh:
No
united kingdom:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bangladesh:
N/A
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bangladesh:
Yes, in major areas
united kingdom:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bangladesh:
Yes, common practice
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed
Signals
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Bangladesh | Prepare to go, not used in the USA |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Bengali; symbols are standard | English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular-shaped with red border | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bangladesh:
Proceed with caution, yield to other vehicles
united kingdom:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bangladesh:
Not used in Bangladesh
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bangladesh:
Signal when exiting
united kingdom:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bangladesh:
Unnecessary use discouraged
united kingdom:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
bangladesh:
Bengali; symbols are standard
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bangladesh:
Triangular-shaped with red border
united kingdom:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not commonly permitted | 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 area; check for signs | Allowed except where prohibited by signage |
Right Turn On Red
bangladesh:
Not commonly permitted
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
bangladesh:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
bangladesh:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
bangladesh:
Varies by area; check for signs
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage
Documentation
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit often required alongside national license |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annually, proof displayed on vehicle | MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Not displayed; records are electronic |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bangladesh:
International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bangladesh:
International Driving Permit recommended
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bangladesh:
Annually, proof displayed on vehicle
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bangladesh:
Displayed on windshield
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Road Etiquette
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bangladesh:
Frequent use compared to some countries
united kingdom:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Alcohol
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common in checkpoints | Common; checkpoints used in some areas |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial, varies by offense | Substantial fines apply |
Limits: General Drivers
bangladesh:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bangladesh:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bangladesh:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
bangladesh:
Common in checkpoints
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
bangladesh:
Substantial, varies by offense
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Roundabouts
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit |
Signaling: Entering
bangladesh:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Signaling: Exiting
bangladesh:
Signal left when preparing to exit
united kingdom:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
bangladesh:
Use for first exit or straight
united kingdom:
Use for first exit
Emergency Services
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 9999 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local police | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA |
Contact: General Emergency
bangladesh:
9999
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
bangladesh:
Contact local police
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bangladesh:
Check with your insurance provider
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Penalties And Fines
| Bangladesh | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can include fines and points | Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines applicable, varies by enforcement | £100 fine |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply, varies by enforcement | £200 and 6 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies depending on the severity of the violation | £100 fine and 3 penalty points |
| Payment: On The Spot | More common than in the USA | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically immediate resolution preferred | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
bangladesh:
Varies; can include fines and points
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Alcohol
bangladesh:
Substantial fines, possible imprisonment
united kingdom:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bangladesh:
Fines applicable, varies by enforcement
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
bangladesh:
Fines apply, varies by enforcement
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bangladesh:
Varies depending on the severity of the violation
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
bangladesh:
More common than in the USA
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
bangladesh:
Varies; typically immediate resolution preferred
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay