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Driving in Barbados vs. Taiwan: Key Safety Differences

Driving in Barbados and Taiwan presents unique challenges and regulations that every traveler should understand. Key distinctions include driving sides—left in Barbados and right in Taiwan—as well as variations in speed limits and road markings. Familiarizing yourself with these essential contrasts will enhance your safety and confidence behind the wheel while exploring these diverse destinations.

Lanes

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

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
barbados:
20-40 km/h
taiwan:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
barbados:
20 km/h
taiwan:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
barbados:
60 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
barbados:
60 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
barbados:
60 km/h
taiwan:
50-70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
barbados:
80 km/h
taiwan:
90-110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
barbados:
80 km/h
taiwan:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
barbados:
80 km/h
taiwan:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
barbados:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
barbados:
N/A
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
barbados:
Possible in some cases
taiwan:
Yes, fines can be issued on the spot

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
barbados:
Not used in Barbados
taiwan:
Not used in Taiwan
Traffic Signs: Language
barbados:
English; symbols are standard
taiwan:
Mandarin; symbols are standard

Turns

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

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
barbados:
International Driving Permit recommended
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
barbados:
International Driving Permit recommended
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
barbados:
Usually not required for non-residents
taiwan:
Yes, periodic inspections mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
barbados:
N/A for non-resident vehicles
taiwan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
barbados:
Use may be more frequent than in some countries, but typically for warnings
taiwan:
Frequent use in busy areas
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
barbados:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
taiwan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
barbados:
0.08%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
barbados:
0.04%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
barbados:
0.02%; zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving
taiwan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
barbados:
Less common; checkpoints can be used
taiwan:
Common, especially during holidays
Enforcement: Fines
barbados:
Substantial fines for offenses
taiwan:
Heavy fines imposed
Test Refusal
barbados:
Can result in license suspension
taiwan:
Can result in license suspension and fine

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
barbados:
211 or 911
taiwan:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
barbados:
211
taiwan:
Varies by district; inquire locally
Contact: Roadside Assistance
barbados:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
taiwan:
Available via insurance or specialized companies

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
barbados:
Typically imposed based on the degree of excess speed
taiwan:
Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
barbados:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
taiwan:
Steep fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
barbados:
Fines for not wearing seatbelts
taiwan:
NT$1,500, points in some cases
Common Fines: Phone Use
barbados:
Fines for using phones without hands-free devices while driving
taiwan:
NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
barbados:
Fines and points on license
taiwan:
NT$2,700, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
barbados:
Possible in some cases
taiwan:
Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
barbados:
Varies; typically have a time frame to pay
taiwan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay