Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in Brunei vs. France: Key Differences Explained

Exploring the unique road regulations of Brunei and France reveals significant contrasts that every traveler should be aware of. From the different driving sides to speed limits and overtaking rules, understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring a safe journey abroad. Prepare to navigate the roads wisely and confidently in these diverse driving environments.

Lanes

Driving Side
brunei:
Left
france:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
brunei:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
france:
Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
brunei:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
france:
Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
brunei:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
france:
Allowed only in specific conditions, such as heavy traffic; not generally recommended.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
brunei:
Use leftmost lane.
france:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
brunei:
No
france:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
brunei:
N/A
france:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists.
Bus Lanes: Markings
brunei:
N/A
france:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
brunei:
No
france:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
brunei:
N/A
france:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
brunei:
N/A
france:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
brunei:
N/A
france:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
brunei:
No
france:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brunei:
N/A
france:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
brunei:
40 km/h
france:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
brunei:
70-80 km/h
france:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
brunei:
70-80 km/h
france:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
brunei:
70-80 km/h
france:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
brunei:
100 km/h
france:
130 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
brunei:
80-100 km/h
france:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
brunei:
No
france:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brunei:
N/A
france:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
brunei:
Yes
france:
Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
brunei:
Not used in Brunei
france:
Not used in France
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
brunei:
Signal when exiting
france:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
brunei:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
france:
Unnecessary use discouraged especially at night; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
brunei:
Malay; English used for important signs
france:
French; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
brunei:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
france:
Triangular with red border

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
brunei:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
france:
Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
brunei:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
france:
Accepted for short visits
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
brunei:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
france:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
brunei:
Annually required
france:
Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
brunei:
Not used
france:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
brunei:
Not mandatory, but recommended
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brunei:
Not mandatory
france:
Mandatory in vehicle

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
brunei:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
france:
Reserved mainly for use in emergencies
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
brunei:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
france:
Pull over and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
brunei:
0.00%
france:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
brunei:
0.00%
france:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
brunei:
0.00%; zero tolerance
france:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
brunei:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
france:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
brunei:
Varies; can be substantial
france:
Can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
brunei:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
france:
Signal when entering if turning right
Signaling: Exiting
brunei:
Signal left when preparing to exit
france:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
brunei:
991
france:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
brunei:
993
france:
17 or through local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
brunei:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
france:
Check with your insurance provider or assistance service
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
brunei:
Not mandatory, but recommended
france:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brunei:
Not mandatory, but recommended
france:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
brunei:
Varies; B$50 to B$500, points on license
france:
Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points
Common Fines: Alcohol
brunei:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
france:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation
Common Fines: Seat Belts
brunei:
B$150
france:
€135
Common Fines: Phone Use
brunei:
B$300
france:
€135
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
brunei:
B$250
france:
€135
Payment: On The Spot
brunei:
Yes
france:
Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses
Payment: Deadline
brunei:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
france:
Varies; typically 45 days to pay