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Driving Safety: Belize vs South Africa Explained

Discover the unique road rules and regulations that govern driving in Belize and South Africa. While Belize adheres to right-side driving and a lower speed limit, South Africa promotes left-side navigation with more extensive lane designations, such as bus and cycle lanes. Understanding these distinctions is essential for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in each country.

Lanes

Driving Side
belize:
Right
south africa:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
belize:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
south africa:
Marks the right edge on roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
belize:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
south africa:
Used to demarcate lanes on certain roads.
Overtaking: On Left
belize:
Yes
south africa:
Allowed
Overtaking: On Right
belize:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
south africa:
Prohibited unless turning.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
belize:
Use rightmost lane.
south africa:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
belize:
No
south africa:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
belize:
N/A
south africa:
Reserved for buses; marked with road signs and lane markings.
Bus Lanes: Markings
belize:
N/A
south africa:
May include the word 'BUS' and specific coloring.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
belize:
No
south africa:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
belize:
N/A
south africa:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
belize:
N/A
south africa:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
belize:
N/A
south africa:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belize:
N/A
south africa:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
belize:
25 mph
south africa:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
belize:
25 mph
south africa:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
belize:
40-55 mph
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
belize:
40-55 mph
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
belize:
40-55 mph
south africa:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
belize:
55-65 mph
south africa:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
belize:
55-65 mph
south africa:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
belize:
55-65 mph
south africa:
80-100 km/h
Speed Units
belize:
mph
south africa:
km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belize:
N/A
south africa:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
belize:
No
south africa:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
belize:
Yes, fines are usually collected immediately
south africa:
Yes, common in South Africa

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
belize:
Not used in Belize
south africa:
Not used in South Africa
Traffic Signs: Warning
belize:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
south africa:
Triangular shape with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
belize:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
south africa:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
belize:
Varies by locality; check for signs
south africa:
Allowed at designated places; check for signs.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
belize:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
belize:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
belize:
Mandatory annually; proof may be required
south africa:
Required when transferring ownership or relicensing a vehicle
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
belize:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
south africa:
Not applicable
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
belize:
Not mandatory
south africa:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
belize:
0.08%
south africa:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
belize:
0.05%
south africa:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
belize:
Zero tolerance
south africa:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
belize:
Less common; checkpoints used occasionally
south africa:
Common; roadblocks are used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
belize:
Varies; can be substantial
south africa:
Substantial; varies based on offense
Test Refusal
belize:
Can result in license suspension
south africa:
Can result in license suspension and additional fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
belize:
Signal right when preparing to exit
south africa:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
belize:
911
south africa:
112 or 10111
Contact: Traffic Police
belize:
911
south africa:
Call general emergency number
Contact: Roadside Assistance
belize:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
south africa:
Check with your insurance provider or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA)
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
belize:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south africa:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
belize:
Varies; BZD$100 to $500
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines depending on excess speed
Common Fines: Seat Belts
belize:
Fines for non-compliance
south africa:
Common fine; mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
belize:
Fines for use without hands-free
south africa:
Fines applicable, varies by local ordinance
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
belize:
Varies; significant fines
south africa:
Fines applicable
Payment: On The Spot
belize:
Yes, fines are often collected immediately
south africa:
Yes, common with road checkpoints
Payment: Deadline
belize:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
south africa:
Varies depending on violation; typically 30 days to pay