Costa Rica vs. Tonga: Driving Differences Unveiled
When navigating the roads of Costa Rica and Tonga, it's essential to understand the contrasting regulations and customs that govern their streets. From driving on opposite sides to varied speed limits and unique traffic signals, this comparison highlights crucial distinctions that can impact your journey and ensure a safer driving experience abroad.
Driving Side
The driving side in costa-rica is the Right Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in costa-rica is 54
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for costa-rica is 1.327 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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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Often used to separate traffic directions. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Buses typically use regular traffic lanes. | N/A | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | N/A | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | No | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use. | N/A | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | N/A | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are generally static. | N/A |
Speeds Limits
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 25-40 km/h | 40-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 40 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | No specific highways with designated higher speed limits | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | N/A | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are generally static. | N/A | |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Limited use | No widespread use | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; fines may be issued by police roadside | Common; paid directly to traffic officers |
Signals
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Costa Rica | Not commonly used in Tonga | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Use indicators appropriately | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Spanish; symbols are standard | English and Tongan; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle-shaped with red border | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Turns
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | Prohibited | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited unless indicated otherwise | Varies by location; check for signs |
Documentation
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof required | Required; proof may be required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use is common to signal intentions | Less frequent use compared to some countries | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary |
When navigating the roads of Costa Rica and Tonga, it's essential to understand the contrasting regulations and customs that govern their streets. From driving on opposite sides to varied speed limits and unique traffic signals, this comparison highlights crucial distinctions that can impact your journey and ensure a safer driving experience abroad.
Alcohol
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | Zero tolerance | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints are used throughout | Common at specific times or checkpoints | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial; varies by offense severity | Varies; can be substantial |
Roundabouts
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal left when preparing to exit |
Emergency Services
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 911 or direct number depending on location | Contact local police | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS | Check with your insurance provider | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Costa rica | Tonga | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above | Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines applicable for non-compliance | Mandatory; fines for non-compliance | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use without hands-free | Fines for handheld phone use while driving | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applicable for non-compliance | Fines apply | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; police may issue fines on the spot | Common; fines usually paid immediately | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 days to pay | Immediate payment preferred |