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Driving in Belize vs. Samoa: Key Differences Explained

Discover the unique road regulations and practices between Belize and Samoa, essential for ensuring a secure journey abroad. While Belize drives on the right, Samoa follows the left, leading to distinct rules on overtaking and speed limits. Understanding these variations is crucial for a safer driving experience in either country.

Lanes

Driving Side
belize:
Right
samoa:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
belize:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
samoa:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
belize:
Yes
samoa:
No
Overtaking: On Right
belize:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
samoa:
Yes
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
belize:
Use rightmost lane.
samoa:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
belize:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
belize:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Usage
belize:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
belize:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
belize:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belize:
N/A
samoa:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
belize:
25 mph
samoa:
25-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
belize:
25 mph
samoa:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
belize:
40-55 mph
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
belize:
40-55 mph
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
belize:
40-55 mph
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
belize:
55-65 mph
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
belize:
55-65 mph
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
belize:
55-65 mph
samoa:
Not applicable
Speed Units
belize:
mph
samoa:
km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belize:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
belize:
No
samoa:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
belize:
Yes, fines are usually collected immediately
samoa:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
belize:
Not used in Belize
samoa:
Not used in Samoa
Traffic Signs: Language
belize:
English; symbols are standard
samoa:
English and Samoan; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
belize:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
samoa:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
belize:
Varies by locality; check for signs
samoa:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
belize:
Mandatory annually; proof may be required
samoa:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
belize:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
samoa:
Displayed on windshield

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
belize:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
samoa:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
belize:
0.05%
samoa:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
belize:
Zero tolerance
samoa:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
belize:
Less common; checkpoints used occasionally
samoa:
Common

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
belize:
Signal right when preparing to exit
samoa:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
belize:
911
samoa:
685-22-222
Contact: Roadside Assistance
belize:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
samoa:
Check with your insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
belize:
Varies; BZD$100 to $500
samoa:
Varies; ST$50 to ST$500, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
belize:
Fines for non-compliance
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$200
Common Fines: Phone Use
belize:
Fines for use without hands-free
samoa:
ST$50 to ST$300
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
belize:
Varies; significant fines
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$500, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
belize:
Yes, fines are often collected immediately
samoa:
Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards