Roadsenses Logotype

Driving Differences: Bolivia vs United Arab Emirates

When exploring the roads of Bolivia and the United Arab Emirates, it's crucial to understand their unique traffic cultures. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane regulations, and enforcement practices. While Bolivia features a more relaxed approach, the UAE emphasizes strict adherence to road rules, ensuring enhanced safety for all travelers.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bolivia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
united arab emirates:
Marks the left edge on some roads.
Overtaking: On Right
bolivia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
united arab emirates:
Allowed on multilane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
bolivia:
List length: 5
united arab emirates:
List length: 6
Bus Lanes: Presence
bolivia:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes, in major cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Bus Lanes: Usage
bolivia:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and motorcycles in some areas.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bolivia:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Labeled and usually marked by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bolivia:
Yes
united arab emirates:
Yes, primarily in urban areas and parks.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
bolivia:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes, in some areas
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bolivia:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Minimum two or three occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bolivia:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bolivia:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Electronic signs display current limits, often in major urban areas and highways.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
bolivia:
40 km/h
united arab emirates:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bolivia:
30 km/h
united arab emirates:
25-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bolivia:
80-90 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bolivia:
80-90 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bolivia:
70-80 km/h
united arab emirates:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bolivia:
90-100 km/h
united arab emirates:
100-140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bolivia:
90-100 km/h
united arab emirates:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bolivia:
80-90 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bolivia:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bolivia:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bolivia:
No, not commonly used
united arab emirates:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bolivia:
Yes, fines can be issued immediately
united arab emirates:
Less common; fines can be issued electronically

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bolivia:
Not used in Bolivia
united arab emirates:
Not used in UAE
Horn Usage: Allowed
bolivia:
Only to avoid accidents
united arab emirates:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bolivia:
Unnecessary usage discouraged especially in urban areas
united arab emirates:
Unnecessary use discouraged; especially in residential areas
Traffic Signs: Language
bolivia:
Spanish
united arab emirates:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
bolivia:
Triangular-shaped with red borders
united arab emirates:
Triangular with red borders

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
bolivia:
Not allowed in major urban centers; check for signs
united arab emirates:
Allowed unless specifically prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bolivia:
Accepted with an International Driving Permit
united arab emirates:
Accepted with International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bolivia:
International Driving Permit required
united arab emirates:
Accepted with International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bolivia:
Annual inspection required
united arab emirates:
Annual inspection required for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bolivia:
Displayed on the windshield
united arab emirates:
Displayed on the windshield after inspection
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bolivia:
Mandatory
united arab emirates:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bolivia:
Frequent use compared to some countries
united arab emirates:
Moderate use, not excessively
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bolivia:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
united arab emirates:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
bolivia:
0.05%
united arab emirates:
0.0%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bolivia:
0.00%
united arab emirates:
0.0%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bolivia:
0.02%; zero tolerance in some areas
united arab emirates:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
bolivia:
Common; checkpoints often used
united arab emirates:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
bolivia:
Varies, can be substantial
united arab emirates:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
bolivia:
911
united arab emirates:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
bolivia:
110
united arab emirates:
Varies by emirate; often integrates with general emergency
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bolivia:
Check with your insurance provider; some offer this service
united arab emirates:
Check with your insurance provider or organizations like AAA
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bolivia:
Mandatory
united arab emirates:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
bolivia:
Varies; may result in points on license
united arab emirates:
Varies; AED 300 to AED 3000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
bolivia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
united arab emirates:
Severe penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bolivia:
Fines apply
united arab emirates:
AED 400, 4 black points
Common Fines: Phone Use
bolivia:
Fines may apply, varies by location
united arab emirates:
AED 800, 4 black points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bolivia:
Fines apply and points on license
united arab emirates:
AED 1000, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
bolivia:
Fines can be issued immediately and must be paid
united arab emirates:
Not typical; fines usually notified electronically
Payment: Deadline
bolivia:
Varies; typically required to be paid promptly
united arab emirates:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay