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Driving Differences: Cuba vs Ecuador Explained

When traversing the roads of Cuba and Ecuador, understanding the nuances of their traffic regulations is vital for ensuring a secure journey. Notable disparities emerge in lane usage, speed limits, and legal requirements for drivers, highlighting Ecuador's stricter enforcement compared to Cuba. Explore these critical distinctions to navigate safely and confidently in either country.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Right
cuba:
Not typical; follow local rules and signs.
ecuador:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
cuba:
List length: 4
ecuador:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
cuba:
Use the rightmost lane.
ecuador:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
cuba:
No
ecuador:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
cuba:
N/A
ecuador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
cuba:
N/A
ecuador:
Labeled with 'BUS' in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
cuba:
Rare
ecuador:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
cuba:
Bicycles may share the road with motor vehicles.
ecuador:
Shared with motor vehicles in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
cuba:
Road signs or painted indicators where applicable.
ecuador:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
cuba:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cuba:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
cuba:
40-50 km/h
ecuador:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
cuba:
30-40 km/h
ecuador:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
cuba:
60-80 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
cuba:
60-80 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
cuba:
50-70 km/h
ecuador:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
cuba:
90-100 km/h
ecuador:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
cuba:
90-100 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
cuba:
80-90 km/h
ecuador:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cuba:
N/A
ecuador:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
cuba:
Rare
ecuador:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
cuba:
Common; enforced by traffic police
ecuador:
Yes; often applied for traffic violations.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
cuba:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
ecuador:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
cuba:
Not used in Cuba
ecuador:
Not used in Ecuador
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
cuba:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
ecuador:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
cuba:
Fines may apply for misuse
ecuador:
N/A
Traffic Signs: Language
cuba:
Spanish; symbols are standard
ecuador:
Spanish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Warning
cuba:
Triangular with red border
ecuador:
Triangle-shaped with white background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
cuba:
Not allowed
ecuador:
Prohibited unless a sign permits.
U- Turns Allowed
cuba:
Varies by area, check for local signs
ecuador:
Allowed where signposted or when safe and legal.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
cuba:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
ecuador:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
cuba:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
ecuador:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
cuba:
Annual inspection required
ecuador:
Annual inspection is mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
cuba:
Displayed on windshield
ecuador:
Displayed on the windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cuba:
Not mandatory
ecuador:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cuba:
Not mandatory
ecuador:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
cuba:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
ecuador:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
cuba:
Discouraged, fines may apply
ecuador:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
cuba:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
ecuador:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
cuba:
Discouraged and may be penalized
ecuador:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
cuba:
Only in emergency situations
ecuador:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
cuba:
More frequent use than in some countries
ecuador:
Frequent use in urban areas.
Pedestrians Priority
cuba:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
ecuador:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
cuba:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
ecuador:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
cuba:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
ecuador:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
cuba:
0.05%
ecuador:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
cuba:
0.02%
ecuador:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
cuba:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
ecuador:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
cuba:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
ecuador:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
cuba:
Check if medication affects driving ability
ecuador:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
cuba:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
ecuador:
Common; police frequently set up checkpoints.
Enforcement: Fines
cuba:
Varies; can be substantial
ecuador:
Varies; significant fines imposed.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
cuba:
Possible for severe offenses
ecuador:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
cuba:
Can result in license suspension
ecuador:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
cuba:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
ecuador:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
cuba:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
ecuador:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
cuba:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
ecuador:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
cuba:
Signal right when preparing to exit
ecuador:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
cuba:
Use for first exit or straight
ecuador:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
cuba:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
ecuador:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
cuba:
106
ecuador:
911 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
cuba:
106
ecuador:
Use general emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
cuba:
Varies by provider; national lines may apply
ecuador:
Available through insurance companies or auto clubs.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cuba:
Not mandatory, but recommended
ecuador:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cuba:
Not mandatory, but recommended
ecuador:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
cuba:
Varies; typically $10 to $100 equivalent, local currency
ecuador:
Varies; can be substantial based on speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
cuba:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
ecuador:
Severe fines and possible imprisonment.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
ecuador:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts.
Common Fines: Phone Use
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
ecuador:
Fines apply; varies by infraction.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
ecuador:
Hefty fines for violations.
Payment: On The Spot
cuba:
Common; usually paid directly to officers
ecuador:
Yes; often required.
Payment: Deadline
cuba:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay
ecuador:
Varies; fines must be paid promptly to avoid additional penalties.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
cuba:
Same as residents; must be paid
ecuador:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
cuba:
Possible if fines are not paid
ecuador:
Possible if fines are not paid.