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Driving in Chile vs. Iceland: Key Safety Differences

Experience the distinct driving landscapes of Chile and Iceland as we delve into their unique regulations and road practices. Key highlights include varying speed limits, contrasting rules for overtaking, and diverse lane markings. Understanding these nuances ensures a safer and more enjoyable journey when navigating the roads of these fascinating countries.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
chile:
Marks the left edge on divided roads or separates oncoming traffic on two-way streets.
iceland:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
chile:
Indicates passing or changing lanes is permitted when safe on two-way roads.
iceland:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
chile:
Prohibited unless on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
iceland:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
chile:
List length: 5
iceland:
List length: 4
Bus Lanes: Usage
chile:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; can be used by private vehicles outside peak hours depending on local regulations.
iceland:
Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted.
Bus Lanes: Markings
chile:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUSES EXCLUSIVO'; marked with road signs.
iceland:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
chile:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
iceland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
chile:
40 km/h
iceland:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
chile:
100 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h on gravel roads
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
chile:
100 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h on paved roads
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
chile:
100 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h on paved roads
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
chile:
120 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
chile:
100 km/h
iceland:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
chile:
90 km/h
iceland:
80 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
chile:
Common; fines may be paid directly to police or in designated locations
iceland:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
chile:
Not used in Chile
iceland:
N/A
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
chile:
Signal when exiting
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
chile:
Excessive use discouraged, especially near hospitals and schools
iceland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
chile:
Fines may apply for misuse
iceland:
N/A
Hand Signals: Common Usage
chile:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
iceland:
N/A
Traffic Signs: Language
chile:
Spanish; symbols are standard
iceland:
Icelandic; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
chile:
Triangle shaped with red border; some variations in colors
iceland:
Triangular with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
chile:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
iceland:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
chile:
Varies by locality; check for signs
iceland:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
chile:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
chile:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
chile:
Required annually
iceland:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
chile:
Displayed on windshield
iceland:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
chile:
Mandatory
iceland:
Not mandatory

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
chile:
0.03%
iceland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
chile:
0.00%
iceland:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
chile:
0.00%; zero tolerance
iceland:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
chile:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
iceland:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
chile:
Substantial penalties, including suspension of license
iceland:
Substantial penalties can apply
Test Refusal
chile:
Can result in license suspension
iceland:
Can result in license suspension and fine

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
chile:
Signal if turning upon entry
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
Signaling: Exiting
chile:
Signal right when preparing to exit
iceland:
Signal when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
chile:
133
iceland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
chile:
133 or 139 on mobile phones
iceland:
National Police number 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
chile:
Check with your insurance provider or local assistance services
iceland:
Contact local towing services or insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
chile:
Mandatory
iceland:
Not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
chile:
Varies; high fines, includes license suspension possibilities
iceland:
Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense
Common Fines: Alcohol
chile:
Severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment
iceland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
chile:
Fines apply for non-use
iceland:
Mandatory; fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
chile:
Fines for use without hands-free technology
iceland:
Fines if found using without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
chile:
Significant fines, includes license suspension
iceland:
Fines and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
chile:
Sometimes possible; otherwise must be paid at designated locations
iceland:
Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly
Payment: Deadline
chile:
Varies; typically short timeframe to pay
iceland:
Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame