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Driving in Cuba vs. India: Key Safety Differences

As travelers venture from Cuba to India, it's essential to understand the distinct road regulations and practices that govern each nation. Key differences include driving sides, speed limits, and the presence of specific lane designs. This guide aims to ensure a safe and informed journey by highlighting the unique driving customs in both countries.

Lanes

Driving Side
cuba:
Right
india:
Left
Overtaking: On Left
cuba:
Yes
india:
No
Overtaking: On Right
cuba:
Not typical; follow local rules and signs.
india:
Yes, but only when safe.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
cuba:
List length: 4
india:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
cuba:
Use the rightmost lane.
india:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
cuba:
No
india:
Yes, in some metropolitan areas
Bus Lanes: Usage
cuba:
N/A
india:
Reserved for buses; usage time restrictions may apply.
Bus Lanes: Markings
cuba:
N/A
india:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
cuba:
Rare
india:
Yes, in some areas
Cycle Lanes: Usage
cuba:
Bicycles may share the road with motor vehicles.
india:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
cuba:
Road signs or painted indicators where applicable.
india:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
cuba:
N/A
india:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cuba:
N/A
india:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
cuba:
30-40 km/h
india:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
cuba:
50-70 km/h
india:
60-70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
cuba:
90-100 km/h
india:
80-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
cuba:
90-100 km/h
india:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
cuba:
80-90 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cuba:
N/A
india:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
cuba:
Rare
india:
Yes, in major cities and highways
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
cuba:
Common; enforced by traffic police
india:
Yes, commonly used

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
cuba:
Not used in Cuba
india:
Not used in India
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
cuba:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
india:
Unnecessary and excessive use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Hand Signals: Common Usage
cuba:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
india:
More common due to varied vehicle conditions
Traffic Signs: Language
cuba:
Spanish; symbols are standard
india:
English and local languages; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
cuba:
Not allowed
india:
Prohibited unless otherwise stated by a sign
Left Turn: General
cuba:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
india:
Permitted; always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
U- Turns Allowed
cuba:
Varies by area, check for local signs
india:
Allowed in designated areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
cuba:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
cuba:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
cuba:
Annual inspection required
india:
Mandatory; proof required with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
cuba:
Displayed on windshield
india:
PUC sticker displayed on windshield

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Limited
cuba:
Only in emergency situations
india:
Discouraged, but common due to heavy traffic and mixed vehicle conditions
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
cuba:
More frequent use than in some countries
india:
Frequent use compared to other countries
Pedestrians Priority
cuba:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
india:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked and zebra crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
cuba:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
india:
Move to the side and allow emergency vehicles to pass

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
cuba:
0.05%
india:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
cuba:
0.02%
india:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
cuba:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
india:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
cuba:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
india:
Common in cities; checkpoints are regularly used
Enforcement: Fines
cuba:
Varies; can be substantial
india:
Varies by state; fines can be substantial
Test Refusal
cuba:
Can result in license suspension
india:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
cuba:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
india:
Signal if turning upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
cuba:
Signal right when preparing to exit
india:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
cuba:
106
india:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
cuba:
106
india:
Varies by state; local helpline numbers may apply
Contact: Roadside Assistance
cuba:
Varies by provider; national lines may apply
india:
Commonly through insurance providers or automotive associations

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
cuba:
Varies; typically $10 to $100 equivalent, local currency
india:
Varies; ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
india:
₹500 to ₹1,000, points in some states
Common Fines: Phone Use
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
india:
₹1,000 to ₹5,000, points in some states
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
india:
₹500 to ₹2,000, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
cuba:
Common; usually paid directly to officers
india:
Common; fines often paid at the time of the offense
Payment: Deadline
cuba:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay
india:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay