Driving in Chile vs Panama: Key Differences You Should Know
When exploring the roads of Chile and Panama, drivers will encounter notable distinctions in traffic regulations and road etiquette. With varying lane markings, speed limits, and alcohol thresholds, understanding these contrasts is crucial for safe travel. This guide delves into essential driving norms to ensure a smooth journey in both countries.
Driving Side
The driving side in chile is the Right Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in chile is 70
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for chile is 1.331 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads or separates oncoming traffic on two-way streets. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Indicates passing or changing lanes is permitted when safe on two-way roads. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Prohibited unless on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; can be used by private vehicles outside peak hours depending on local regulations. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUSES EXCLUSIVO'; marked with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Yes, in some urban areas | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | N/A |
Speeds Limits
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 25-30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 100 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | N/A | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; fines may be paid directly to police or in designated locations | Common |
Signals
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Chile | Not used in Panama | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Excessive use discouraged, especially near hospitals and schools | Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle shaped with red border; some variations in colors | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Turns
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | Generally not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Varies by locality; check for signs | Varies by location; check for signs |
Documentation
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Required annually | Mandatory every two years for new cars | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Recommended |
Road Etiquette
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use, especially in urban areas |
When exploring the roads of Chile and Panama, drivers will encounter notable distinctions in traffic regulations and road etiquette. With varying lane markings, speed limits, and alcohol thresholds, understanding these contrasts is crucial for safe travel. This guide delves into essential driving norms to ensure a smooth journey in both countries.
Alcohol
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.00% (zero tolerance) | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints used frequently | Common, especially during weekends | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial penalties, including suspension of license | Varies; can be substantial |
Roundabouts
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning upon entry | Signal if turning immediately upon entry |
Emergency Services
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 133 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 133 or 139 on mobile phones | 104 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local assistance services | Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Chile | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; high fines, includes license suspension possibilities | Varies; $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply for non-use | $25 to $75 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for use without hands-free technology | Varies; fines and points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Significant fines, includes license suspension | $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Sometimes possible; otherwise must be paid at designated locations | Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically short timeframe to pay | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |