Driving in China vs Vietnam: Key Differences Explained
When exploring the roads of China and Vietnam, understanding the nuances of their driving regulations is crucial for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol consumption guidelines. Familiarizing yourself with these driving norms will ensure a smoother experience while navigating the unique traffic landscapes of both nations.
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 | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Right | Allowed in certain cases; check local rules. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| 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 rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| 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 |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
china:
Separates directions on multi-lane roads.
vietnam:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
china:
Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
vietnam:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
china:
Allowed in certain cases; check local rules.
vietnam:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
china:
List length: 4
vietnam:
List length: 5
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3]
china:
Railroad crossings
vietnam:
Pedestrian crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
china:
Use rightmost lane if possible.
vietnam:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
china:
Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places.
vietnam:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
china:
Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes.
vietnam:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
china:
Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes.
vietnam:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
china:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color.
vietnam:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
china:
Yes
vietnam:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
china:
Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants
vietnam:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
china:
Yes
vietnam:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
china:
Electronic signs display current limits.
vietnam:
N/A
Speeds Limits
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 40 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70-90 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-80 km/h | 50-70 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | N/A | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, especially in urban areas | Common |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
china:
30 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
china:
70-90 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
china:
70-80 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
china:
60-80 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
china:
Yes
vietnam:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
china:
Electronic signs display current limits
vietnam:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
china:
Yes, especially in urban areas
vietnam:
Common
Signals
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in China | Not used in Vietnam | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Commonly used in urban areas | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution | Limited restriction | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines in some areas for excessive use | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Discouraged for signaling other messages | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Chinese; symbols also used | Vietnamese; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular shape with red borders | Triangle-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
china:
Not used in China
vietnam:
Not used in Vietnam
Horn Usage: Allowed
china:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
vietnam:
Commonly used in urban areas
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
china:
Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution
vietnam:
Limited restriction
Horn Usage: Penalties
china:
Fines may apply for misuse
vietnam:
Fines in some areas for excessive use
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
china:
Not to be used to signal other messages
vietnam:
Discouraged for signaling other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
china:
Chinese; symbols also used
vietnam:
Vietnamese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
china:
Triangular shape with red borders
vietnam:
Triangle-shaped with a red border
Turns
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality | Prohibited unless granted by a sign | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs | Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs |
Right Turn On Red
china:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
china:
Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs
Documentation
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | An International Driving Permit is recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required | An International Driving Permit is recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles | Mandatory annual vehicle inspection | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Displayed on the 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
vietnam:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
china:
International Driving Permit required for short visits
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
china:
International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
china:
Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
china:
Displayed on windshield
vietnam:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
china:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
china:
Not mandatory, but recommended
vietnam:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement | |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Expected in congested traffic | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Common but limited by law in cities | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai | Frequent use compared to Western countries | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary | Pull over and stop, if possible |
Flashing Lights: Usage
china:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
vietnam:
Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
china:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
vietnam:
Expected in congested traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
china:
Only in emergency situations
vietnam:
Common but limited by law in cities
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
china:
Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai
vietnam:
Frequent use compared to Western countries
Pedestrians Priority
china:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
vietnam:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
china:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
vietnam:
Pull over and stop, if possible
When exploring the roads of China and Vietnam, understanding the nuances of their driving regulations is crucial for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol consumption guidelines. Familiarizing yourself with these driving norms will ensure a smoother experience while navigating the unique traffic landscapes of both nations.
Alcohol
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.02% | 0.05% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.02%; strict enforcement | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, especially near bars and clubs | Common | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Severe fines, license suspension possible | Varies; can be substantial | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and legal penalties | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
china:
0.02%
vietnam:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
china:
0.00%
vietnam:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
china:
0.00%; zero tolerance
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Random Checks
china:
Common, especially near bars and clubs
vietnam:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
china:
Severe fines, license suspension possible
vietnam:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
china:
Can result in license suspension and legal penalties
vietnam:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight ahead | Use for first exit or straight |
Lane Usage: Right
china:
Use for first exit or straight ahead
vietnam:
Use for first exit or straight
Emergency Services
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 110 | 113 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Same as general emergency; 110 | 113 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | Check with insurance provider | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
china:
110
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
china:
Same as general emergency; 110
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
china:
Check with your insurance provider
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
china:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
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| China | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license | Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000 | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Heavy fines and possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | ¥50 to ¥200 | VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines and points on license | VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000 | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000 | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines often paid online or at banks | Common for minor fines | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay | Typically around 10-15 days |
Common Fines: Speeding
china:
Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
china:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
china:
¥50 to ¥200
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
china:
Fines and points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
china:
Fines and points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
china:
Possible; fines often paid online or at banks
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
china:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days