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Costa Rica vs. Taiwan: Driving Differences You Should Know

Exploring the road regulations of Costa Rica and Taiwan reveals significant contrasts in transportation norms. While Taiwan boasts dedicated bus and cycle lanes along with variable speed limits, Costa Rica relies on more traditional traffic systems. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring a safer driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Buses typically use regular traffic lanes.
taiwan:
Reserved for buses; taxis and motorcycles sometimes allowed during specific times.
Bus Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
taiwan:
Labeled 'BUS' or '公交專用道'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
Limited
taiwan:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use.
taiwan:
Exclusive for bicycles and scooters.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
taiwan:
Bicycle and scooter symbols, often colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
No
taiwan:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
costa rica:
N/A
taiwan:
Minimum two or more occupants during peak times
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
costa rica:
25-40 km/h
taiwan:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
costa rica:
25 km/h
taiwan:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
taiwan:
50-70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
80-100 km/h
taiwan:
90-110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
80 km/h
taiwan:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
80 km/h
taiwan:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
costa rica:
Limited use
taiwan:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
costa rica:
Common; fines may be issued by police roadside
taiwan:
Yes, fines can be issued on the spot

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
costa rica:
Not used in Costa Rica
taiwan:
Not used in Taiwan
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
costa rica:
Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines
taiwan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
costa rica:
Spanish; symbols are standard
taiwan:
Mandarin; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
costa rica:
Triangle-shaped with red border
taiwan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
costa rica:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
taiwan:
Generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
costa rica:
Annual inspection required; proof required
taiwan:
Yes, periodic inspections mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
costa rica:
Displayed on the windshield
taiwan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
taiwan:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
costa rica:
Frequent use is common to signal intentions
taiwan:
Frequent use in busy areas

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
costa rica:
0.05%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
taiwan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
costa rica:
Common; checkpoints are used throughout
taiwan:
Common, especially during holidays
Enforcement: Fines
costa rica:
Can be substantial; varies by offense severity
taiwan:
Heavy fines imposed
Test Refusal
costa rica:
Can result in license suspension
taiwan:
Can result in license suspension and fine

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
costa rica:
911
taiwan:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
costa rica:
911 or direct number depending on location
taiwan:
Varies by district; inquire locally
Contact: Roadside Assistance
costa rica:
Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS
taiwan:
Available via insurance or specialized companies
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
taiwan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Recommended
taiwan:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
costa rica:
Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above
taiwan:
Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
costa rica:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
taiwan:
Steep fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
taiwan:
NT$1,500, points in some cases
Common Fines: Phone Use
costa rica:
Fines applicable for use without hands-free
taiwan:
NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
taiwan:
NT$2,700, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
costa rica:
Common; police may issue fines on the spot
taiwan:
Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately