Driving in Barbados vs. France: Key Differences Explained
Driving in Barbados and France presents distinct contrasts that are crucial for travelers to understand. While Barbados adheres to left-side navigation, France follows right-side rules. Additionally, speed limits, lane regulations, and the presence of bike lanes vary significantly, impacting road safety and navigation experiences in both countries. Stay informed for a safer journey abroad!
LEFT
Driving Side
The driving side in barbados is the Left Side of the road
71
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in barbados is 71
1.923 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for barbados is 1.923 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 ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used in Barbados. | Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Not commonly used in Barbados. | Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Allowed | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Usually restricted, as traffic typically keeps left. | Allowed only in specific conditions, such as heavy traffic; not generally recommended. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | N/A | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
barbados:
Left
france:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
barbados:
Not commonly used in Barbados.
france:
Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
barbados:
Not commonly used in Barbados.
france:
Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
barbados:
Allowed
france:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
barbados:
Usually restricted, as traffic typically keeps left.
france:
Allowed only in specific conditions, such as heavy traffic; not generally recommended.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
barbados:
Use leftmost lane.
france:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
barbados:
No
france:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
barbados:
N/A
france:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists.
Bus Lanes: Markings
barbados:
N/A
france:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
barbados:
No
france:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
barbados:
N/A
france:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
barbados:
N/A
france:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
barbados:
N/A
france:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
barbados:
No
france:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
barbados:
N/A
france:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 20-40 km/h | 50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60 km/h | 80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 130 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 90 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Possible in some cases | Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation |
Urban Areas: Standard
barbados:
20-40 km/h
france:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
barbados:
20 km/h
france:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
barbados:
60 km/h
france:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
barbados:
60 km/h
france:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
barbados:
60 km/h
france:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
barbados:
80 km/h
france:
130 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
barbados:
80 km/h
france:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
barbados:
80 km/h
france:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
barbados:
No
france:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
barbados:
N/A
france:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
barbados:
Possible in some cases
france:
Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation
Signals
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Barbados | Not used in France | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged especially at night; local ordinances may apply | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | French; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Triangular with red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
barbados:
Not used in Barbados
france:
Not used in France
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
barbados:
Signal when exiting
france:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
barbados:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
france:
Unnecessary use discouraged especially at night; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
barbados:
English; symbols are standard
france:
French; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
barbados:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
france:
Triangular with red border
Turns
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed, follow traffic signals | Not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise | Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs |
Right Turn On Red
barbados:
Not allowed, follow traffic signals
france:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
barbados:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
france:
Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs
Documentation
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Usually not required for non-residents | Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | N/A for non-resident vehicles | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory in vehicle | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory in vehicle |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
barbados:
International Driving Permit recommended
france:
Accepted for short visits
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
barbados:
Usually not required for non-residents
france:
Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
barbados:
N/A for non-resident vehicles
france:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
barbados:
Not mandatory
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
barbados:
Not mandatory
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
Road Etiquette
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Use may be more frequent than in some countries, but typically for warnings | Reserved mainly for use in emergencies | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over and stop if necessary |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
barbados:
Use may be more frequent than in some countries, but typically for warnings
france:
Reserved mainly for use in emergencies
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
barbados:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
france:
Pull over and stop if necessary
Driving in Barbados and France presents distinct contrasts that are crucial for travelers to understand. While Barbados adheres to left-side navigation, France follows right-side rules. Additionally, speed limits, lane regulations, and the presence of bike lanes vary significantly, impacting road safety and navigation experiences in both countries. Stay informed for a safer journey abroad!
Alcohol
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.05% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.04% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02%; zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving | 0.00% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Less common; checkpoints can be used | Common; checkpoints used regularly | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial fines for offenses | Can be substantial |
Limits: General Drivers
barbados:
0.08%
france:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
barbados:
0.04%
france:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
barbados:
0.02%; zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving
france:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
barbados:
Less common; checkpoints can be used
france:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
barbados:
Substantial fines for offenses
france:
Can be substantial
Roundabouts
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal when entering if turning right | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to the right lane before the exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Signaling: Entering
barbados:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
france:
Signal when entering if turning right
Signaling: Exiting
barbados:
Signal left when preparing to exit
france:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Left
barbados:
Use for subsequent exits, move to the right lane before the exit when safe
france:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 211 or 911 | 112 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 211 | 17 or through local police | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | Check with your insurance provider or assistance service | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory |
Contact: General Emergency
barbados:
211 or 911
france:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
barbados:
211
france:
17 or through local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
barbados:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
france:
Check with your insurance provider or assistance service
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
barbados:
Not mandatory, but recommended
france:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
barbados:
Not mandatory, but recommended
france:
Mandatory
Penalties And Fines
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Barbados | France | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Typically imposed based on the degree of excess speed | Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines for not wearing seatbelts | €135 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for using phones without hands-free devices while driving | €135 | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | €135 | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible in some cases | Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically have a time frame to pay | Varies; typically 45 days to pay |
Common Fines: Speeding
barbados:
Typically imposed based on the degree of excess speed
france:
Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points
Common Fines: Alcohol
barbados:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
france:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation
Common Fines: Seat Belts
barbados:
Fines for not wearing seatbelts
france:
€135
Common Fines: Phone Use
barbados:
Fines for using phones without hands-free devices while driving
france:
€135
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
barbados:
Fines and points on license
france:
€135
Payment: On The Spot
barbados:
Possible in some cases
france:
Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses
Payment: Deadline
barbados:
Varies; typically have a time frame to pay
france:
Varies; typically 45 days to pay