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Driving in Belgium vs. Tonga: Key Safety Differences

Driving in Belgium and Tonga presents unique challenges and practices that are essential for travelers to understand. From the contrasting sides of the road to distinct speed limits and traffic regulations, this comparison highlights the crucial variations that can impact safety abroad. Familiarizing yourself with these driving nuances ensures a safer journey in either country.

Lanes

Driving Side
belgium:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
belgium:
Not commonly used; white lines are prevalent.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
belgium:
Not commonly used; white lines are prevalent.
tonga:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
belgium:
Generally not allowed except in traffic queues or on multi-lane roads.
tonga:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
belgium:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
belgium:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
belgium:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; specific hours may apply.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
belgium:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
belgium:
Yes
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
belgium:
Exclusive for bicycles.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
belgium:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
belgium:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belgium:
Electronic signs display current limits.
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
belgium:
30-50 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
belgium:
30 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
belgium:
70-90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
belgium:
70-90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
belgium:
60-90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
belgium:
120 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
belgium:
120 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
belgium:
90 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
belgium:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belgium:
Electronic signs display current limits
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
belgium:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
belgium:
No; fines are mailed to the driver
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
belgium:
Yes; indicates impending green light
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
belgium:
Signal when exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Traffic Signs: Language
belgium:
Dutch, French, German; symbols are standard
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
belgium:
Triangle-shaped with a red border and white or yellow background
tonga:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
belgium:
Not allowed unless specific signage permits
tonga:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
belgium:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
belgium:
Accepted; national driving license sufficient
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
belgium:
International Driving Permit recommended
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
belgium:
Yes; proof must be shown during police checks
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
belgium:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
tonga:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
belgium:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
belgium:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
belgium:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
tonga:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
belgium:
0.05%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
belgium:
0.02%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
belgium:
0.00%; zero tolerance
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
belgium:
Common; conducted by police
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
belgium:
Varies by severity of offense
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
belgium:
Signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
belgium:
112
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
belgium:
101
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
belgium:
Check with your insurance provider or Europe Assistance
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
belgium:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
belgium:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
belgium:
Varies; fines increase with speed, and can include license suspension
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Seat Belts
belgium:
Fine of around 50 EUR
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
belgium:
Fine of around 100 EUR, increased for repeat offenses
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
belgium:
Fines; points on license possible
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
belgium:
No; fines usually mailed to the driver
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
belgium:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred