Driving in China vs. India: Key Safety Differences
When venturing into the bustling streets of China or the vibrant roads of India, understanding the driving disparities is crucial for a safe journey. Key distinctions include driving sides, speed limits, and lane usage regulations, ensuring travelers navigate these diverse environments with confidence and awareness. Stay informed for a secure driving experience abroad!
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in china is the Right Side of the road
49
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in china is 49
1.162 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for china is 1.162 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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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Separates directions on multi-lane roads. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Yes | No | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed in certain cases; check local rules. | Yes, but only when safe. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3] | Railroad crossings | Pedestrian crossings | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane if possible. | Use leftmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes | Yes, in some metropolitan areas | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places. | Reserved for buses; usage time restrictions may apply. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes. | Labeled 'BUS'; often marked with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Yes, in some areas | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes. | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Yes | No | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | N/A |
Driving Side
china:
Right
india:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
china:
Separates directions on multi-lane roads.
india:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
china:
Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
india:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
china:
Yes
india:
No
Overtaking: On Right
china:
Allowed in certain cases; check local rules.
india:
Yes, but only when safe.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
china:
List length: 4
india:
List length: 5
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3]
china:
Railroad crossings
india:
Pedestrian crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
china:
Use rightmost lane if possible.
india:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
india:
Yes, in some metropolitan areas
Bus Lanes: Usage
china:
Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places.
india:
Reserved for buses; usage time restrictions may apply.
Bus Lanes: Markings
china:
Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes.
india:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
india:
Yes, in some areas
Cycle Lanes: Usage
china:
Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes.
india:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
china:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color.
india:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
india:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
china:
Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants
india:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
china:
Yes
india:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
china:
Electronic signs display current limits.
india:
N/A
Speeds Limits
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 40-50 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70-90 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-80 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 60-70 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | 80-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90-100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | N/A | |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes | Yes, in major cities and highways | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, especially in urban areas | Yes, commonly used |
Urban Areas: Standard
china:
40-60 km/h
india:
40-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
china:
70-90 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
china:
70-80 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
china:
60-80 km/h
india:
60-70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
china:
100-120 km/h
india:
80-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
china:
90-100 km/h
india:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
china:
80-100 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
china:
Yes
india:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
china:
Electronic signs display current limits
india:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
china:
Yes
india:
Yes, in major cities and highways
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
china:
Yes, especially in urban areas
india:
Yes, commonly used
Signals
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in China | Not used in India | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution | Unnecessary and excessive use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | More common due to varied vehicle conditions | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Chinese; symbols also used | English and local languages; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular shape with red borders | Triangular with red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
china:
Not used in China
india:
Not used in India
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
china:
Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution
india:
Unnecessary and excessive use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Hand Signals: Common Usage
china:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
india:
More common due to varied vehicle conditions
Traffic Signs: Language
china:
Chinese; symbols also used
india:
English and local languages; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
china:
Triangular shape with red borders
india:
Triangular with red border
Turns
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality | Prohibited unless otherwise stated by a sign | |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted; always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs | Allowed in designated areas; check for signs |
Right Turn On Red
china:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality
india:
Prohibited unless otherwise stated by a sign
Left Turn: General
china:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
india:
Permitted; always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
U- Turns Allowed
china:
Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs
india:
Allowed in designated areas; check for signs
Documentation
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid Chinese driver's license required | Valid driver's license required | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit required for short visits | International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required | International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles | Mandatory; proof required with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | PUC sticker displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Requirement
china:
Valid Chinese driver's license required
india:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
china:
International Driving Permit required for short visits
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
china:
International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
china:
Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles
india:
Mandatory; proof required with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
china:
Displayed on windshield
india:
PUC sticker displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
china:
Mandatory
india:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
china:
Not mandatory, but recommended
india:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Discouraged, but common due to heavy traffic and mixed vehicle conditions | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai | Frequent use compared to other countries | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at marked and zebra crossings | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary | Move to the side and allow emergency vehicles to pass |
Use Of Horn: Limited
china:
Only in emergency situations
india:
Discouraged, but common due to heavy traffic and mixed vehicle conditions
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
china:
Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai
india:
Frequent use compared to other countries
Pedestrians Priority
china:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
india:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked and zebra crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
china:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
india:
Move to the side and allow emergency vehicles to pass
When venturing into the bustling streets of China or the vibrant roads of India, understanding the driving disparities is crucial for a safe journey. Key distinctions include driving sides, speed limits, and lane usage regulations, ensuring travelers navigate these diverse environments with confidence and awareness. Stay informed for a secure driving experience abroad!
Alcohol
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.02% | 0.03% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.00% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, especially near bars and clubs | Common in cities; checkpoints are regularly used | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Severe fines, license suspension possible | Varies by state; fines can be substantial | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and legal penalties | Can result in license suspension and fines |
Limits: General Drivers
china:
0.02%
india:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
china:
0.00%; zero tolerance
india:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
china:
Common, especially near bars and clubs
india:
Common in cities; checkpoints are regularly used
Enforcement: Fines
china:
Severe fines, license suspension possible
india:
Varies by state; fines can be substantial
Test Refusal
china:
Can result in license suspension and legal penalties
india:
Can result in license suspension and fines
Roundabouts
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal if turning upon entry | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal left when preparing to exit | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight ahead | Use for first exit or straight |
Signaling: Entering
china:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
india:
Signal if turning upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
china:
Signal right when preparing to exit
india:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
china:
Use for first exit or straight ahead
india:
Use for first exit or straight
Emergency Services
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 110 | 112 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Same as general emergency; 110 | Varies by state; local helpline numbers may apply | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | Commonly through insurance providers or automotive associations | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
china:
110
india:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
china:
Same as general emergency; 110
india:
Varies by state; local helpline numbers may apply
Contact: Roadside Assistance
china:
Check with your insurance provider
india:
Commonly through insurance providers or automotive associations
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
china:
Mandatory
india:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
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| China | India | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license | Varies; ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | ¥50 to ¥200 | ₹500 to ₹1,000, points in some states | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines and points on license | ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, points in some states | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | ₹500 to ₹2,000, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines often paid online or at banks | Common; fines often paid at the time of the offense |
Common Fines: Speeding
china:
Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license
india:
Varies; ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
china:
¥50 to ¥200
india:
₹500 to ₹1,000, points in some states
Common Fines: Phone Use
china:
Fines and points on license
india:
₹1,000 to ₹5,000, points in some states
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
china:
Fines and points on license
india:
₹500 to ₹2,000, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
china:
Possible; fines often paid online or at banks
india:
Common; fines often paid at the time of the offense