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Driving in Colombia vs. Ivory Coast: Key Differences

When exploring the roads of Colombia and Ivory Coast, understanding their unique traffic regulations is essential for a safe journey. From speed limits to lane usage, these nations exhibit distinct driving customs. For instance, while right turns on red are prohibited in Colombia, they are allowed in Ivory Coast, showcasing crucial variations for travelers.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Usage
colombia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
ivory coast:
Typically reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
colombia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
ivory coast:
Exclusive for bicycles, but limited in urban areas.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
colombia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
ivory coast:
Bicycle symbols and possibly colored pavement.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
colombia:
30-60 km/h
ivory coast:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
colombia:
70-90 km/h
ivory coast:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
colombia:
70-80 km/h
ivory coast:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
colombia:
60-80 km/h
ivory coast:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
colombia:
90-120 km/h
ivory coast:
110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
colombia:
80-100 km/h
ivory coast:
110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
colombia:
80-90 km/h
ivory coast:
80 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
colombia:
Yes; police may issue fines at the moment.
ivory coast:
Yes, for some infractions.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
colombia:
Not used in Colombia
ivory coast:
Not used in Ivory Coast
Headlight Flash: Usage
colombia:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
ivory coast:
To warn other drivers of your presence
Traffic Signs: Language
colombia:
Spanish; symbols are standard
ivory coast:
French; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
colombia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
ivory coast:
Triangular with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
colombia:
Prohibited unless there is a specific signal allowing it
ivory coast:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
colombia:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs
ivory coast:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
colombia:
Annual inspection required; proof must be in vehicle
ivory coast:
Annual vehicle inspection required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
colombia:
Mandatory
ivory coast:
Recommended but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
colombia:
Mandatory
ivory coast:
Recommended but not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
colombia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
ivory coast:
To warn of hazards
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
colombia:
Frequent use compared to some countries
ivory coast:
More frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
colombia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
ivory coast:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
colombia:
0.04%
ivory coast:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
colombia:
0.02%
ivory coast:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
colombia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
ivory coast:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance applies
Enforcement: Random Checks
colombia:
Common; checkpoints used in many areas
ivory coast:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
Test Refusal
colombia:
Can result in license suspension and fines
ivory coast:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
colombia:
123
ivory coast:
170
Contact: Traffic Police
colombia:
123 or local numbers
ivory coast:
171
Contact: Roadside Assistance
colombia:
Check with your insurance provider or specialized roadside services
ivory coast:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
colombia:
Mandatory
ivory coast:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
colombia:
Mandatory
ivory coast:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
colombia:
Varies; $50 to $300, points on license
ivory coast:
Varies; fines may apply, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
colombia:
$50 to $150, points on license
ivory coast:
Varies, points may apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
colombia:
$50 to $150, points on license
ivory coast:
Fines may apply, points may apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
colombia:
$100 to $300, points on license
ivory coast:
Fines may apply, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
colombia:
Possible; fines usually paid online or at designated locations
ivory coast:
Possible for some infractions
Payment: Deadline
colombia:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
ivory coast:
Varies; typically stipulated