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Driving Differences: Cuba vs. Maldives Explained

When exploring the roads of Cuba and the Maldives, understanding their distinct driving practices is crucial for a safe journey. While Cuba drives on the right, the Maldives opts for the left side. Speed limits, lane usage, and traffic regulations vary significantly, making it essential for travelers to familiarize themselves with these key contrasts for a secure driving experience.

Lanes

Driving Side
cuba:
Right
maldives:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
cuba:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
maldives:
Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
cuba:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
maldives:
Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives.
Overtaking: On Left
cuba:
Yes
maldives:
No
Overtaking: On Right
cuba:
Not typical; follow local rules and signs.
maldives:
Yes, when safe and legal.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
cuba:
List length: 4
maldives:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
cuba:
Use the rightmost lane.
maldives:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
cuba:
No
maldives:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
cuba:
N/A
maldives:
Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations.
Bus Lanes: Markings
cuba:
N/A
maldives:
May be designated with road signs or markings.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
cuba:
Rare
maldives:
Minimal
Cycle Lanes: Usage
cuba:
Bicycles may share the road with motor vehicles.
maldives:
Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
cuba:
Road signs or painted indicators where applicable.
maldives:
Usually not specifically marked in many areas.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
cuba:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cuba:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
cuba:
40-50 km/h
maldives:
30 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
cuba:
30-40 km/h
maldives:
25 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
cuba:
60-80 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
cuba:
60-80 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
cuba:
50-70 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
cuba:
90-100 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
cuba:
90-100 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
cuba:
80-90 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cuba:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
cuba:
Rare
maldives:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
cuba:
Common; enforced by traffic police
maldives:
Common

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
cuba:
Not used in Cuba
maldives:
Not commonly used in Maldives
Horn Usage: Allowed
cuba:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
maldives:
Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies
Traffic Signs: Language
cuba:
Spanish; symbols are standard
maldives:
Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
cuba:
Triangular with red border
maldives:
Country-specific shapes and colors

Turns

Right Turn On Red
cuba:
Not allowed
maldives:
Not allowed unless signed
U- Turns Allowed
cuba:
Varies by area, check for local signs
maldives:
Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated
Special Turn Lanes
cuba:
Yes, marked with arrows
maldives:
Limited, mainly at main intersections

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
cuba:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
cuba:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
cuba:
Annual inspection required
maldives:
Periodic checks required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
cuba:
Displayed on windshield
maldives:
Usually displayed on the vehicle

Road Etiquette

Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
cuba:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
maldives:
Common practice
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
cuba:
More frequent use than in some countries
maldives:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
cuba:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
maldives:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
cuba:
0.05%
maldives:
0.00%
Limits: Professional Drivers
cuba:
0.02%
maldives:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
cuba:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
maldives:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
cuba:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
maldives:
Less common
Enforcement: Fines
cuba:
Varies; can be substantial
maldives:
Fines can be substantial

Roundabouts

Lane Usage: Right
cuba:
Use for first exit or straight
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
Lane Usage: Left
cuba:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
cuba:
106
maldives:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
cuba:
106
maldives:
Contact local police for traffic issues
Contact: Roadside Assistance
cuba:
Varies by provider; national lines may apply
maldives:
Check with your insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
cuba:
Varies; typically $10 to $100 equivalent, local currency
maldives:
Varies; fines start from MVR 750
Common Fines: Alcohol
cuba:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
maldives:
Severe penalties including license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
maldives:
Fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
maldives:
Fines for use without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
cuba:
Fine equivalent varies, local currency
maldives:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
cuba:
Common; usually paid directly to officers
maldives:
Possible for minor offenses
Payment: Deadline
cuba:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay
maldives:
Varies; typically within a specified time