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China vs Guatemala: Key Driving Differences Explained

Driving in China and Guatemala presents unique challenges and regulations that are vital for travelers to understand. Key distinctions include lane rules, speed limits, and alcohol consumption laws, which significantly impact road safety. By exploring these contrasts, drivers can navigate foreign roads with confidence and ensure a secure journey abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
china:
Separates directions on multi-lane roads.
guatemala:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
china:
Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
guatemala:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
china:
Allowed in certain cases; check local rules.
guatemala:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
china:
List length: 4
guatemala:
List length: 5
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3]
china:
Railroad crossings
guatemala:
Pedestrian crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
china:
Use rightmost lane if possible.
guatemala:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
guatemala:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
china:
Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places.
guatemala:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
china:
Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes.
guatemala:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
guatemala:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
china:
Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes.
guatemala:
Shared with vehicles in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
china:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color.
guatemala:
Varies by location.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
guatemala:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
china:
Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants
guatemala:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
china:
Yes
guatemala:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
china:
Electronic signs display current limits.
guatemala:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
china:
70-90 km/h
guatemala:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
china:
70-80 km/h
guatemala:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
china:
60-80 km/h
guatemala:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
china:
100-120 km/h
guatemala:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
china:
90-100 km/h
guatemala:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
china:
80-100 km/h
guatemala:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
china:
Yes
guatemala:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
china:
Electronic signs display current limits
guatemala:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
china:
Yes
guatemala:
Limited use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
china:
Yes, especially in urban areas
guatemala:
Yes, common practice

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
china:
Not used in China
guatemala:
Not used in Guatemala
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
china:
Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution
guatemala:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
china:
Chinese; symbols also used
guatemala:
Spanish; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
china:
Triangular shape with red borders
guatemala:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
china:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality
guatemala:
Varies, check local signs for permission
U- Turns Allowed
china:
Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs
guatemala:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
china:
Valid Chinese driver's license required
guatemala:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
china:
International Driving Permit required for short visits
guatemala:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
china:
International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required
guatemala:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
china:
Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles
guatemala:
Mandatory; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
china:
Displayed on windshield
guatemala:
Displayed on the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
china:
Not mandatory, but recommended
guatemala:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
china:
Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai
guatemala:
More frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
china:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
guatemala:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
china:
0.02%
guatemala:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
china:
0.00%; zero tolerance
guatemala:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
china:
Common, especially near bars and clubs
guatemala:
Common, especially at night
Enforcement: Fines
china:
Severe fines, license suspension possible
guatemala:
Varies by locality; can be substantial
Test Refusal
china:
Can result in license suspension and legal penalties
guatemala:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

Lane Usage: Right
china:
Use for first exit or straight ahead
guatemala:
Use for first exit or straight

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
china:
110
guatemala:
122
Contact: Traffic Police
china:
Same as general emergency; 110
guatemala:
110
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
china:
Not mandatory, but recommended
guatemala:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
china:
Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license
guatemala:
Varies; substantial fines
Common Fines: Seat Belts
china:
¥50 to ¥200
guatemala:
Fines imposed
Common Fines: Phone Use
china:
Fines and points on license
guatemala:
Fines imposed
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
china:
Fines and points on license
guatemala:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
china:
Possible; fines often paid online or at banks
guatemala:
Yes, often required
Payment: Deadline
china:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
guatemala:
Varies; check with local authorities