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Driving in Brunei vs. South Africa: Key Differences Revealed

When exploring the roads of Brunei and South Africa, understanding the distinct variations in driving regulations is crucial for ensuring a secure journey. From speed limits to lane markings, these two countries present notable contrasts. Discover how these differences impact your travel experience and enhance your driving awareness abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
brunei:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
south africa:
Marks the right edge on roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
brunei:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
south africa:
Used to demarcate lanes on certain roads.
Overtaking: On Left
brunei:
Yes
south africa:
Allowed
Overtaking: On Right
brunei:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
south africa:
Prohibited unless turning.
Bus Lanes: Presence
brunei:
No
south africa:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
brunei:
N/A
south africa:
Reserved for buses; marked with road signs and lane markings.
Bus Lanes: Markings
brunei:
N/A
south africa:
May include the word 'BUS' and specific coloring.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
brunei:
No
south africa:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
brunei:
N/A
south africa:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
brunei:
N/A
south africa:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
brunei:
N/A
south africa:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brunei:
N/A
south africa:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
brunei:
50 km/h
south africa:
40-60 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
brunei:
70-80 km/h
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
brunei:
70-80 km/h
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
brunei:
70-80 km/h
south africa:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
brunei:
100 km/h
south africa:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
brunei:
100 km/h
south africa:
100-120 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brunei:
N/A
south africa:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
brunei:
Yes
south africa:
Yes, common in South Africa

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
brunei:
Not used in Brunei
south africa:
Not used in South Africa
Traffic Signs: Language
brunei:
Malay; English used for important signs
south africa:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
brunei:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
south africa:
Triangular shape with a red border

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
brunei:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
south africa:
Allowed at designated places; check for signs.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
brunei:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
brunei:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
brunei:
Annually required
south africa:
Required when transferring ownership or relicensing a vehicle
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
brunei:
Not used
south africa:
Not applicable
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
brunei:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south africa:
Mandatory

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
brunei:
0.00%
south africa:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
brunei:
0.00%
south africa:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
brunei:
0.00%; zero tolerance
south africa:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
brunei:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
south africa:
Common; roadblocks are used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
brunei:
Varies; can be substantial
south africa:
Substantial; varies based on offense
Test Refusal
brunei:
Can result in license suspension
south africa:
Can result in license suspension and additional fines

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
brunei:
991
south africa:
112 or 10111
Contact: Traffic Police
brunei:
993
south africa:
Call general emergency number
Contact: Roadside Assistance
brunei:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
south africa:
Check with your insurance provider or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA)
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
brunei:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south africa:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
brunei:
Varies; B$50 to B$500, points on license
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines depending on excess speed
Common Fines: Seat Belts
brunei:
B$150
south africa:
Common fine; mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
brunei:
B$300
south africa:
Fines applicable, varies by local ordinance
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
brunei:
B$250
south africa:
Fines applicable
Payment: On The Spot
brunei:
Yes
south africa:
Yes, common with road checkpoints
Payment: Deadline
brunei:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
south africa:
Varies depending on violation; typically 30 days to pay