Driving Differences: Barbados vs. Panama Explained
When exploring the nuances of motoring in Barbados and Panama, essential distinctions emerge that impact safety and navigation. From driving on opposite sides of the road to varying speed limits and lane regulations, understanding these critical contrasts is vital for a secure journey. Discover how each country prioritizes road etiquette, emergency protocols, and driver responsibilities to ensure safe travels.
Driving Side
The driving side in barbados is the Left Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in barbados is 71
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
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used in Barbados. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Not commonly used in Barbados. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Allowed | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Usually restricted, as traffic typically keeps left. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes, in some urban areas | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | N/A | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers. |
Speeds Limits
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 20-40 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20 km/h | 25-30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Possible in some cases | Common |
Signals
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Barbados | Not used in Panama | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Spanish; symbols are standard |
Turns
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed, follow traffic signals | Generally not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise | Varies by location; check for signs |
Documentation
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Usually not required for non-residents | Mandatory every two years for new cars | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | N/A for non-resident vehicles | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Recommended |
Road Etiquette
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Use may be more frequent than in some countries, but typically for warnings | Frequent use, especially in urban areas | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
When exploring the nuances of motoring in Barbados and Panama, essential distinctions emerge that impact safety and navigation. From driving on opposite sides of the road to varying speed limits and lane regulations, understanding these critical contrasts is vital for a secure journey. Discover how each country prioritizes road etiquette, emergency protocols, and driver responsibilities to ensure safe travels.
Alcohol
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02%; zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving | 0.00% (zero tolerance) | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Less common; checkpoints can be used | Common, especially during weekends | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial fines for offenses | Varies; can be substantial |
Roundabouts
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Emergency Services
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 211 or 911 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 211 | 104 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Barbados | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Typically imposed based on the degree of excess speed | Varies; $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines for not wearing seatbelts | $25 to $75 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for using phones without hands-free devices while driving | Varies; fines and points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible in some cases | Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically have a time frame to pay | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |