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Driving in Bhutan vs. Ecuador: Key Differences Explained

Driving in Bhutan and Ecuador presents a unique set of challenges and regulations. With Bhutan adhering to left-side traffic and stricter overtaking rules, while Ecuador embraces right-side driving and allows overtaking on the left, understanding these contrasts is essential for ensuring road safety abroad. Discover the essential distinctions to navigate these roads confidently.

Lanes

Driving Side
bhutan:
Left
ecuador:
Right
Overtaking: On Left
bhutan:
No
ecuador:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
bhutan:
Yes
ecuador:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bhutan:
Use leftmost lane.
ecuador:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
ecuador:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
ecuador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
ecuador:
Labeled with 'BUS' in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
ecuador:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
ecuador:
Shared with motor vehicles in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bhutan:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
bhutan:
30-50 km/h
ecuador:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bhutan:
20-30 km/h
ecuador:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
ecuador:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
ecuador:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
Up to 60 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bhutan:
No
ecuador:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bhutan:
Yes
ecuador:
Yes; often applied for traffic violations.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bhutan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
ecuador:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bhutan:
Not used in Bhutan
ecuador:
Not used in Ecuador
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bhutan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
ecuador:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
bhutan:
Fines may apply for misuse
ecuador:
N/A
Traffic Signs: Language
bhutan:
English; symbols are standard
ecuador:
Spanish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Warning
bhutan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
ecuador:
Triangle-shaped with white background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
bhutan:
Not allowed
ecuador:
Prohibited unless a sign permits.
U- Turns Allowed
bhutan:
Restricted; check for signs
ecuador:
Allowed where signposted or when safe and legal.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
ecuador:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
ecuador:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bhutan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
ecuador:
Annual inspection is mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bhutan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
ecuador:
Displayed on the windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
ecuador:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
ecuador:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
bhutan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
ecuador:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
bhutan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
ecuador:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
bhutan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
ecuador:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
bhutan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
ecuador:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
bhutan:
Only in emergency situations
ecuador:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bhutan:
Frequent use in rural areas, reduced in urban settings
ecuador:
Frequent use in urban areas.
Pedestrians Priority
bhutan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
ecuador:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bhutan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
ecuador:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
bhutan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
ecuador:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
bhutan:
0.08%
ecuador:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bhutan:
0.04%
ecuador:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bhutan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
ecuador:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
bhutan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
ecuador:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
bhutan:
Common, especially during events
ecuador:
Common; police frequently set up checkpoints.
Enforcement: Fines
bhutan:
Substantial and imprisonment possible
ecuador:
Varies; significant fines imposed.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
bhutan:
Possible for severe offenses
ecuador:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
bhutan:
Can result in license suspension
ecuador:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
bhutan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
ecuador:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
bhutan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
ecuador:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
bhutan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
ecuador:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
bhutan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
ecuador:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
bhutan:
Use for first exit or straight
ecuador:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
bhutan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
ecuador:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bhutan:
113
ecuador:
911 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
bhutan:
113
ecuador:
Use general emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bhutan:
Check with local providers or vehicle insurance
ecuador:
Available through insurance companies or auto clubs.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
ecuador:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
ecuador:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bhutan:
Varies; often involves fines and points on license
ecuador:
Varies; can be substantial based on speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
bhutan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
ecuador:
Severe fines and possible imprisonment.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bhutan:
Fines enforced
ecuador:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts.
Common Fines: Phone Use
bhutan:
Fines enforced
ecuador:
Fines apply; varies by infraction.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bhutan:
Fines and points on license
ecuador:
Hefty fines for violations.
Payment: On The Spot
bhutan:
Yes
ecuador:
Yes; often required.
Payment: Deadline
bhutan:
Varies; typically immediate payment required
ecuador:
Varies; fines must be paid promptly to avoid additional penalties.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
bhutan:
Same as residents; must be paid
ecuador:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
bhutan:
Possible if fines are not paid
ecuador:
Possible if fines are not paid.