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Driving in Cambodia vs. Ecuador: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Cambodia and Ecuador, drivers encounter notable variations in regulations and practices that impact safety. From the presence of designated bus lanes to differing speed limits and documentation requirements, understanding these contrasts is essential for a secure driving experience. This comparison highlights the key distinctions to ensure your travels are both enjoyable and safe.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Presence
cambodia:
No
ecuador:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
cambodia:
N/A
ecuador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
cambodia:
N/A
ecuador:
Labeled with 'BUS' in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
cambodia:
Yes
ecuador:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
cambodia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
ecuador:
Shared with motor vehicles in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
cambodia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
ecuador:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
cambodia:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cambodia:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
cambodia:
30-40 km/h
ecuador:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
cambodia:
80 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
cambodia:
80 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cambodia:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
cambodia:
Yes
ecuador:
Yes; often applied for traffic violations.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
cambodia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
ecuador:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
cambodia:
N/A
ecuador:
Not used in Ecuador
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
cambodia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
ecuador:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
cambodia:
Fines may apply for misuse
ecuador:
N/A
Traffic Signs: Language
cambodia:
Khmer and English; symbols are standard
ecuador:
Spanish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Warning
cambodia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
ecuador:
Triangle-shaped with white background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
cambodia:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
ecuador:
Prohibited unless a sign permits.
U- Turns Allowed
cambodia:
Varies, check for signs
ecuador:
Allowed where signposted or when safe and legal.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
cambodia:
International Driving Permit required
ecuador:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
cambodia:
International Driving Permit required
ecuador:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
cambodia:
Mandatory; proof may be required
ecuador:
Annual inspection is mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
cambodia:
Displayed on the vehicle
ecuador:
Displayed on the windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cambodia:
Recommended but not mandatory
ecuador:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cambodia:
Not mandatory
ecuador:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
cambodia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
ecuador:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
cambodia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
ecuador:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
cambodia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
ecuador:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
cambodia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
ecuador:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
cambodia:
Only in emergency situations
ecuador:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
cambodia:
Frequent use as means of communication
ecuador:
Frequent use in urban areas.
Pedestrians Priority
cambodia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
ecuador:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
cambodia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
ecuador:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
cambodia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
ecuador:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
cambodia:
0.05%
ecuador:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
cambodia:
0.00%; zero tolerance for underage drivers
ecuador:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
cambodia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
ecuador:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
cambodia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
ecuador:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
cambodia:
Common; checkpoints used
ecuador:
Common; police frequently set up checkpoints.
Enforcement: Fines
cambodia:
Strict and substantial
ecuador:
Varies; significant fines imposed.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
cambodia:
Possible for severe offenses
ecuador:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
cambodia:
Can result in license suspension
ecuador:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
cambodia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
ecuador:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
cambodia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
ecuador:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
cambodia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
ecuador:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
cambodia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
ecuador:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
cambodia:
Use for first exit or straight
ecuador:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
cambodia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
ecuador:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
cambodia:
119
ecuador:
911 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
cambodia:
117
ecuador:
Use general emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
cambodia:
Check with your insurance provider
ecuador:
Available through insurance companies or auto clubs.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cambodia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
ecuador:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cambodia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
ecuador:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
cambodia:
Varies; fines are substantial
ecuador:
Varies; can be substantial based on speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
cambodia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
ecuador:
Severe fines and possible imprisonment.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
cambodia:
Varies; penalties applied
ecuador:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts.
Common Fines: Phone Use
cambodia:
Varies; penalties applied
ecuador:
Fines apply; varies by infraction.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
cambodia:
Varies; substantial fines
ecuador:
Hefty fines for violations.
Payment: On The Spot
cambodia:
Yes, on the spot payment
ecuador:
Yes; often required.
Payment: Deadline
cambodia:
Varies; typically within a specified period
ecuador:
Varies; fines must be paid promptly to avoid additional penalties.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
cambodia:
Same as residents; must be paid
ecuador:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
cambodia:
Possible if fines are not paid
ecuador:
Possible if fines are not paid.