Driving in Bhutan vs. Panama: Key Differences Explained
When embarking on a journey in Bhutan or Panama, understanding the distinct driving norms is crucial for a safe experience. Key contrasts include driving on the left in Bhutan versus the right in Panama, varied speed limits, and the presence of bus and cycle lanes in Panama, highlighting the significant differences in road etiquette and regulations.
Driving Side
The driving side in bhutan is the Left Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in bhutan is 64
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.
Lanes
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes, in some urban areas | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | N/A | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers. |
Speeds Limits
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-50 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20-30 km/h | 25-30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 40-60 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 40-60 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 40-60 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | Up to 80 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | Up to 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | Up to 60 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | No | Yes | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Common |
Signals
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Bhutan | Not used in Panama | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Spanish; symbols are standard |
Turns
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Generally not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Restricted; check for signs | Varies by location; check for signs |
Documentation
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual vehicle inspection required | Mandatory every two years for new cars | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, not mandatory | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, not mandatory | Recommended |
Road Etiquette
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in rural areas, reduced in urban settings | Frequent use, especially in urban areas | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
When embarking on a journey in Bhutan or Panama, understanding the distinct driving norms is crucial for a safe experience. Key contrasts include driving on the left in Bhutan versus the right in Panama, varied speed limits, and the presence of bus and cycle lanes in Panama, highlighting the significant differences in road etiquette and regulations.
Alcohol
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.00% (zero tolerance) | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, especially during events | Common, especially during weekends | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial and imprisonment possible | Varies; can be substantial |
Emergency Services
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 113 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 113 | 104 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with local providers or vehicle insurance | Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, not mandatory | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, not mandatory | Recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Bhutan | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; often involves fines and points on license | Varies; $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines enforced | $25 to $75 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines enforced | Varies; fines and points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes | Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically immediate payment required | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |