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Driving in Colombia vs Tonga: Key Differences Explained

When exploring the roads of Colombia and Tonga, drivers will encounter distinct regulations and customs that shape their travel experience. Key distinctions include Colombia's right-hand driving and comprehensive lane markings, contrasted with Tonga's left-side driving and simpler road structures. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey in either nation.

Lanes

Driving Side
colombia:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
colombia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
colombia:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
colombia:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
colombia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
colombia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
colombia:
Yes
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
colombia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
colombia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
colombia:
Not applicable
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
colombia:
Not applicable
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
colombia:
30-60 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
colombia:
30 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
colombia:
70-90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
colombia:
60-80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
colombia:
90-120 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
colombia:
80-100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
colombia:
80-90 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
colombia:
Not applicable
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
colombia:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
colombia:
Yes; police may issue fines at the moment.
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
colombia:
Not used in Colombia
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
colombia:
Signal when exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Traffic Signs: Language
colombia:
Spanish; symbols are standard
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard

Turns

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

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
colombia:
Annual inspection required; proof must be in vehicle
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
colombia:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
colombia:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
colombia:
Frequent use compared to some countries
tonga:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
colombia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
tonga:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
colombia:
0.04%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
colombia:
0.02%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
colombia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
colombia:
Common; checkpoints used in many areas
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Test Refusal
colombia:
Can result in license suspension and fines
tonga:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
colombia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
colombia:
123
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
colombia:
123 or local numbers
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
colombia:
Check with your insurance provider or specialized roadside services
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
colombia:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
colombia:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
colombia:
Varies; $50 to $300, points on license
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Seat Belts
colombia:
$50 to $150, points on license
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
colombia:
$50 to $150, points on license
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
colombia:
$100 to $300, points on license
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
colombia:
Possible; fines usually paid online or at designated locations
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
colombia:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred