Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in Chile vs. Switzerland: Key Differences Explained

When navigating the roads of Chile and Switzerland, you'll encounter distinct rules and practices that shape the driving experience. From speed limits to lane usage, each country emphasizes unique aspects of road safety. Understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring a secure journey while abroad, so let's explore what sets these nations apart.

RIGHT

Driving Side

The driving side in chile is the Right Side of the road

70

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in chile is 70

1.331 $

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.

Icon for the lanes section

Lanes

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
chile:
Marks the left edge on divided roads or separates oncoming traffic on two-way streets.
switzerland:
Used for temporary road changes or construction zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
chile:
Indicates passing or changing lanes is permitted when safe on two-way roads.
switzerland:
Used in temporary traffic management.
Overtaking: On Right
chile:
Prohibited unless on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
switzerland:
Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations.
Bus Lanes: Usage
chile:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; can be used by private vehicles outside peak hours depending on local regulations.
switzerland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
chile:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUSES EXCLUSIVO'; marked with road signs.
switzerland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
chile:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
switzerland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
chile:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
chile:
N/A
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Icon for the speeds limits section

Speeds Limits

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Urban Areas: Standard
chile:
50 km/h
switzerland:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
chile:
40 km/h
switzerland:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
chile:
100 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
chile:
100 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
chile:
100 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
chile:
90 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
chile:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
chile:
N/A
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
chile:
Common; fines may be paid directly to police or in designated locations
switzerland:
Yes, drivers can be fined on the spot.
Icon for the signals section

Signals

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
chile:
Not used in Chile
switzerland:
Prepare to go
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
chile:
Excessive use discouraged, especially near hospitals and schools
switzerland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
chile:
Spanish; symbols are standard
switzerland:
Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used
Traffic Signs: Warning
chile:
Triangle shaped with red border; some variations in colors
switzerland:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Icon for the turns section

Turns

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Right Turn On Red
chile:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
switzerland:
Prohibited unless a specific sign allows it
U- Turns Allowed
chile:
Varies by locality; check for signs
switzerland:
Allowed unless prohibited by sign
Icon for the documentation section

Documentation

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
chile:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
switzerland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-French/German/Italian speaking licenses
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
chile:
Required annually
switzerland:
Vehicle inspection is required regularly; proof must be available
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
chile:
Displayed on windshield
switzerland:
Proof of inspection is kept in the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
chile:
Mandatory
switzerland:
Not mandatory
Icon for the alcohol section

Alcohol

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Limits: General Drivers
chile:
0.03%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
chile:
0.00%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
chile:
0.00%; zero tolerance
switzerland:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
chile:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
switzerland:
Common; police conduct random breath tests
Enforcement: Fines
chile:
Substantial penalties, including suspension of license
switzerland:
Substantial; fines can be based on income
Test Refusal
chile:
Can result in license suspension
switzerland:
Can result in license suspension and fines

When navigating the roads of Chile and Switzerland, you'll encounter distinct rules and practices that shape the driving experience. From speed limits to lane usage, each country emphasizes unique aspects of road safety. Understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring a secure journey while abroad, so let's explore what sets these nations apart.

Icon for the roundabouts section

Roundabouts

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Signaling: Entering
chile:
Signal if turning upon entry
switzerland:
No signaling normally required when entering
Lane Usage: Right
chile:
Use for first exit or straight
switzerland:
Use for the first exit or straight
Icon for the emergency services section

Emergency Services

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Contact: General Emergency
chile:
133
switzerland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
chile:
133 or 139 on mobile phones
switzerland:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
chile:
Check with your insurance provider or local assistance services
switzerland:
140
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
chile:
Mandatory
switzerland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Icon for the penalties and fines section

Penalties And Fines

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Common Fines: Speeding
chile:
Varies; high fines, includes license suspension possibilities
switzerland:
Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension
Common Fines: Alcohol
chile:
Severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
chile:
Fines apply for non-use
switzerland:
CHF 60
Common Fines: Phone Use
chile:
Fines for use without hands-free technology
switzerland:
CHF 100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
chile:
Significant fines, includes license suspension
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
chile:
Sometimes possible; otherwise must be paid at designated locations
switzerland:
Common; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
chile:
Varies; typically short timeframe to pay
switzerland:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay