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Driving in Bhutan vs. Iceland: Unique Road Rules Explained

When exploring the roads of Bhutan and Iceland, travelers encounter distinct regulations and practices that prioritize road safety. Key differences include Bhutan's left-side driving and stricter overtaking rules, contrasted with Iceland's right-side navigation and more lenient overtaking policies. Understanding these variances is crucial for a secure driving experience in each unique landscape.

LEFT

Driving Side

The driving side in bhutan is the Left Side of the road

64

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in bhutan is 64

0.758 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for bhutan is 0.758 US Dollars

While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.

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Lanes

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Driving Side
bhutan:
Left
iceland:
Right
Overtaking: On Left
bhutan:
No
iceland:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
bhutan:
Yes
iceland:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
bhutan:
List length: 5
iceland:
List length: 4
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bhutan:
Use leftmost lane.
iceland:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
iceland:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
iceland:
Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
iceland:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
iceland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
iceland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
iceland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bhutan:
N/A
iceland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
iceland:
N/A
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Speeds Limits

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Urban Areas: Standard
bhutan:
30-50 km/h
iceland:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bhutan:
20-30 km/h
iceland:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h on gravel roads
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h on paved roads
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h on paved roads
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
Up to 60 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
iceland:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bhutan:
No
iceland:
Yes
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bhutan:
Not used in Bhutan
iceland:
N/A
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bhutan:
Signal when exiting
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Penalties
bhutan:
Fines may apply for misuse
iceland:
N/A
Hand Signals: Common Usage
bhutan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
iceland:
N/A
Traffic Signs: Language
bhutan:
English; symbols are standard
iceland:
Icelandic; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bhutan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
iceland:
Triangular with red borders
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Turns

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U- Turns Allowed
bhutan:
Restricted; check for signs
iceland:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs
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Documentation

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

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Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bhutan:
Frequent use in rural areas, reduced in urban settings
iceland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bhutan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
iceland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

When exploring the roads of Bhutan and Iceland, travelers encounter distinct regulations and practices that prioritize road safety. Key differences include Bhutan's left-side driving and stricter overtaking rules, contrasted with Iceland's right-side navigation and more lenient overtaking policies. Understanding these variances is crucial for a secure driving experience in each unique landscape.

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Alcohol

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Limits: General Drivers
bhutan:
0.08%
iceland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bhutan:
0.04%
iceland:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bhutan:
0.00%
iceland:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
bhutan:
Common, especially during events
iceland:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
bhutan:
Substantial and imprisonment possible
iceland:
Substantial penalties can apply
Test Refusal
bhutan:
Can result in license suspension
iceland:
Can result in license suspension and fine
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Roundabouts

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Signaling: Entering
bhutan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
Signaling: Exiting
bhutan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
iceland:
Signal when preparing to exit
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Emergency Services

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Contact: General Emergency
bhutan:
113
iceland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bhutan:
113
iceland:
National Police number 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bhutan:
Check with local providers or vehicle insurance
iceland:
Contact local towing services or insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
iceland:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
iceland:
Not mandatory
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
bhutan:
Varies; often involves fines and points on license
iceland:
Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense
Common Fines: Alcohol
bhutan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
iceland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bhutan:
Fines enforced
iceland:
Mandatory; fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
bhutan:
Fines enforced
iceland:
Fines if found using without hands-free
Payment: On The Spot
bhutan:
Yes
iceland:
Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly
Payment: Deadline
bhutan:
Varies; typically immediate payment required
iceland:
Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame