Driving Differences: Cuba vs. Czech Republic Explained
When driving in Cuba and the Czech Republic, travelers encounter distinct regulations and road norms that significantly impact safety. From lane markings and speed limits to traffic signal usage, understanding these variations is crucial. This comparison delves into the essential driving practices in both countries, ensuring a safer experience for international motorists.
Lanes
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Used for marking no-parking zones. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Used for temporary traffic situations. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Not typical; follow local rules and signs. | Only on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use the rightmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled 'BUS' or specific road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Rare | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Bicycles may share the road with motor vehicles. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Road signs or painted indicators where applicable. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
cuba:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
czech republic:
Used for marking no-parking zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
cuba:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
czech republic:
Used for temporary traffic situations.
Overtaking: On Right
cuba:
Not typical; follow local rules and signs.
czech republic:
Only on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
cuba:
List length: 4
czech republic:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
cuba:
Use the rightmost lane.
czech republic:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
cuba:
No
czech republic:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
cuba:
N/A
czech republic:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
cuba:
N/A
czech republic:
Labeled 'BUS' or specific road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
cuba:
Rare
czech republic:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
cuba:
Bicycles may share the road with motor vehicles.
czech republic:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
cuba:
Road signs or painted indicators where applicable.
czech republic:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
cuba:
N/A
czech republic:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
cuba:
No
czech republic:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cuba:
N/A
czech republic:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-40 km/h | 20-30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 50-70 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 90-100 km/h | 130 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90-100 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Rare | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; enforced by traffic police | Yes, commonly applied |
Urban Areas: Standard
cuba:
40-50 km/h
czech republic:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
cuba:
30-40 km/h
czech republic:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
cuba:
60-80 km/h
czech republic:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
cuba:
60-80 km/h
czech republic:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
cuba:
50-70 km/h
czech republic:
90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
cuba:
90-100 km/h
czech republic:
130 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
cuba:
90-100 km/h
czech republic:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
cuba:
No
czech republic:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cuba:
N/A
czech republic:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
cuba:
Rare
czech republic:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
cuba:
Common; enforced by traffic police
czech republic:
Yes, commonly applied
Signals
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Cuba | Not used. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use prohibited in most areas. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Spanish; symbols are standard | Czech; symbols are standard. |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with red border | Triangle-shaped with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
cuba:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
czech republic:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
cuba:
Not used in Cuba
czech republic:
Not used.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
cuba:
Signal when exiting
czech republic:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
cuba:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
czech republic:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
cuba:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
czech republic:
Unnecessary use prohibited in most areas.
Horn Usage: Penalties
cuba:
Fines may apply for misuse
czech republic:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
cuba:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
czech republic:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
cuba:
Not to be used to signal other messages
czech republic:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
cuba:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
czech republic:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
cuba:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
czech republic:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
cuba:
Spanish; symbols are standard
czech republic:
Czech; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
cuba:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
czech republic:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
cuba:
Triangular with red border
czech republic:
Triangle-shaped with red border.
Turns
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Generally not allowed unless specifically indicated by a green arrow. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Varies by area, check for local signs | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
cuba:
Not allowed
czech republic:
Generally not allowed unless specifically indicated by a green arrow.
Left Turn: General
cuba:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
czech republic:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
cuba:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
czech republic:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
cuba:
Varies by area, check for local signs
czech republic:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
cuba:
Yes, marked with arrows
czech republic:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
cuba:
Prohibited
czech republic:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted without International Driving Permit. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended or required. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required | Annual inspection mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Displayed on the windshield. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
cuba:
Valid driver's license required
czech republic:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
cuba:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
czech republic:
Accepted without International Driving Permit.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
cuba:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
czech republic:
International Driving Permit recommended or required.
Insurance
cuba:
Liability insurance mandatory
czech republic:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
cuba:
Annual inspection required
czech republic:
Annual inspection mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
cuba:
Displayed on windshield
czech republic:
Displayed on the windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cuba:
Not mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cuba:
Not mandatory
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | More frequent use than in some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
cuba:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
czech republic:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
cuba:
Discouraged, fines may apply
czech republic:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
cuba:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
czech republic:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
cuba:
Discouraged and may be penalized
czech republic:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
cuba:
Only in emergency situations
czech republic:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
cuba:
More frequent use than in some countries
czech republic:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
cuba:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
czech republic:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
cuba:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
czech republic:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
cuba:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
czech republic:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance | 0.00%; zero tolerance |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Less common; checkpoints used in some areas | Common, often at checkpoints. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies; can be substantial | Can be substantial. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
cuba:
0.05%
czech republic:
0.00%
Limits: Professional Drivers
cuba:
0.02%
czech republic:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
cuba:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
czech republic:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
cuba:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
czech republic:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
cuba:
Check if medication affects driving ability
czech republic:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
cuba:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
czech republic:
Common, often at checkpoints.
Enforcement: Fines
cuba:
Varies; can be substantial
czech republic:
Can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
cuba:
Possible for severe offenses
czech republic:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
cuba:
Can result in license suspension
czech republic:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
cuba:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
czech republic:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
cuba:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
czech republic:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
cuba:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
czech republic:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
cuba:
Signal right when preparing to exit
czech republic:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
cuba:
Use for first exit or straight
czech republic:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
cuba:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
czech republic:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 106 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 106 | 158 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Varies by provider; national lines may apply | 1230—UAMK; additional providers can be used depending on insurance. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
Contact: General Emergency
cuba:
106
czech republic:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
cuba:
106
czech republic:
158
Contact: Roadside Assistance
cuba:
Varies by provider; national lines may apply
czech republic:
1230—UAMK; additional providers can be used depending on insurance.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cuba:
Not mandatory, but recommended
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cuba:
Not mandatory, but recommended
czech republic:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
| Cuba | Czech republic | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically $10 to $100 equivalent, local currency | Varies; typically €50 to €600 depending on severity. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fine equivalent varies, local currency | €50 or more. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fine equivalent varies, local currency | €50 or more. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fine equivalent varies, local currency | €100 or higher, points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; usually paid directly to officers | Common, cash preferred. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically a few weeks to pay | Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay. |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
cuba:
Varies; typically $10 to $100 equivalent, local currency
czech republic:
Varies; typically €50 to €600 depending on severity.
Common Fines: Alcohol
cuba:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
czech republic:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
czech republic:
€50 or more.
Common Fines: Phone Use
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
czech republic:
€50 or more.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
czech republic:
€100 or higher, points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
cuba:
Common; usually paid directly to officers
czech republic:
Common, cash preferred.
Payment: Deadline
cuba:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay
czech republic:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
cuba:
Same as residents; must be paid
czech republic:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
cuba:
Possible if fines are not paid
czech republic:
Possible if fines are not paid.