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Driving in Bhutan vs. Tanzania: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the contrasting driving landscapes of Bhutan and Tanzania, intriguing distinctions emerge. While Bhutan adheres to stringent speed limits and unique lane markings, Tanzania offers dedicated bus and cycle lanes along with a higher tolerance for speed. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in both nations.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bhutan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
tanzania:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
tanzania:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
tanzania:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
tanzania:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'DART'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
tanzania:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
tanzania:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
tanzania:
Bicycle symbols and dedicated lanes.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bhutan:
N/A
tanzania:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
tanzania:
N/A

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bhutan:
Not used in Bhutan
tanzania:
Not used in Tanzania
Traffic Signs: Language
bhutan:
English; symbols are standard
tanzania:
English and Swahili; symbols are standard

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
bhutan:
Restricted; check for signs
tanzania:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

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

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bhutan:
Frequent use in rural areas, reduced in urban settings
tanzania:
Moderate usage compared to some countries

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
bhutan:
0.04%
tanzania:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
bhutan:
Common, especially during events
tanzania:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
bhutan:
Substantial and imprisonment possible
tanzania:
Significant fines apply

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bhutan:
113
tanzania:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bhutan:
113
tanzania:
112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bhutan:
Check with local providers or vehicle insurance
tanzania:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
tanzania:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
tanzania:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bhutan:
Varies; often involves fines and points on license
tanzania:
Varies; penalties can be severe
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bhutan:
Fines enforced
tanzania:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
bhutan:
Fines enforced
tanzania:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bhutan:
Fines and points on license
tanzania:
Penalties enforced
Payment: On The Spot
bhutan:
Yes
tanzania:
Common
Payment: Deadline
bhutan:
Varies; typically immediate payment required
tanzania:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay