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Driving in Barbados vs. El Salvador: Key Differences

As travelers venture abroad, understanding the nuances of driving regulations is crucial for ensuring safety. This comparison highlights key distinctions between Barbados and El Salvador, including driving sides, speed limits, and lane usage. With Barbados steering left and El Salvador right, it's essential to be informed and prepared for a secure journey in these diverse locales.

Lanes

Driving Side
barbados:
Left
el salvador:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
barbados:
Not commonly used in Barbados.
el salvador:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
barbados:
Not commonly used in Barbados.
el salvador:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
barbados:
Allowed
el salvador:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
barbados:
Usually restricted, as traffic typically keeps left.
el salvador:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
barbados:
Use leftmost lane.
el salvador:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
barbados:
No
el salvador:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
barbados:
N/A
el salvador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
barbados:
N/A
el salvador:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
barbados:
No
el salvador:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
barbados:
N/A
el salvador:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
barbados:
N/A
el salvador:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
barbados:
N/A
el salvador:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
barbados:
N/A
el salvador:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
barbados:
20 km/h
el salvador:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
barbados:
60 km/h
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
barbados:
60 km/h
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
barbados:
60 km/h
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
barbados:
80 km/h
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
barbados:
80 km/h
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
barbados:
80 km/h
el salvador:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
barbados:
N/A
el salvador:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
barbados:
Yes
el salvador:
No
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
barbados:
Possible in some cases
el salvador:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
barbados:
Not used in Barbados
el salvador:
Not common in El Salvador
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
barbados:
Signal when exiting
el salvador:
Signal when entering and exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
barbados:
English; symbols are standard
el salvador:
Spanish; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
barbados:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
el salvador:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
barbados:
Not allowed, follow traffic signals
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
barbados:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
barbados:
Usually not required for non-residents
el salvador:
Mandatory annual inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
barbados:
N/A for non-resident vehicles
el salvador:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
barbados:
Not mandatory
el salvador:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
barbados:
Not mandatory
el salvador:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
barbados:
Use may be more frequent than in some countries, but typically for warnings
el salvador:
Frequent use in some areas to communicate
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
barbados:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
el salvador:
Yield and make way

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
barbados:
0.08%
el salvador:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
barbados:
0.04%
el salvador:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
barbados:
0.02%; zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving
el salvador:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
barbados:
Less common; checkpoints can be used
el salvador:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
barbados:
Substantial fines for offenses
el salvador:
Substantial fines and penalties

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
barbados:
Signal left when preparing to exit
el salvador:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
barbados:
Use for subsequent exits, move to the right lane before the exit when safe
el salvador:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
barbados:
211 or 911
el salvador:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
barbados:
211
el salvador:
120
Contact: Roadside Assistance
barbados:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
el salvador:
121
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
barbados:
Not mandatory, but recommended
el salvador:
Required
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
barbados:
Not mandatory, but recommended
el salvador:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
barbados:
Typically imposed based on the degree of excess speed
el salvador:
Varies; $20 to $100
Common Fines: Alcohol
barbados:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
el salvador:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
barbados:
Fines for not wearing seatbelts
el salvador:
$20 to $50
Common Fines: Phone Use
barbados:
Fines for using phones without hands-free devices while driving
el salvador:
$30 to $100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
barbados:
Fines and points on license
el salvador:
$50 to $200
Payment: On The Spot
barbados:
Possible in some cases
el salvador:
Yes, frequently enforced
Payment: Deadline
barbados:
Varies; typically have a time frame to pay
el salvador:
Typically 30 days to pay