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Driving in Denmark vs. Singapore: Key Safety Differences

Exploring the road regulations of Denmark and Singapore reveals fascinating contrasts in traffic norms and safety practices. With Denmark driving on the right and Singapore on the left, these nations present unique approaches to speed limits, lane markings, and vehicle protocols. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring a secure and smooth journey abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
denmark:
Right
singapore:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
denmark:
Marks the central reservation on dual carriageways.
singapore:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
denmark:
Used temporarily in construction zones.
singapore:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
denmark:
Generally prohibited, except in congested multilane traffic.
singapore:
Not allowed.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
denmark:
Use rightmost lane.
singapore:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
denmark:
Reserved for buses and sometimes bicycles and taxis.
singapore:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
denmark:
Labeled 'BUS' with road signs indicating restrictions.
singapore:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
denmark:
Bicycle symbols and often green or red colored pavement.
singapore:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
denmark:
Not applicable
singapore:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
denmark:
30 km/h
singapore:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
denmark:
80 km/h
singapore:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
denmark:
80 km/h
singapore:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
denmark:
80 km/h
singapore:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
denmark:
110-130 km/h
singapore:
80-90 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
denmark:
90-100 km/h
singapore:
80-90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
denmark:
80 km/h
singapore:
80-90 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
denmark:
Yes, for minor offenses.
singapore:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
denmark:
Used before green.
singapore:
Not used in Singapore
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
denmark:
Signal when entering and exiting
singapore:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
denmark:
Danish; symbols are standard
singapore:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
denmark:
Triangular with red border
singapore:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
denmark:
Not allowed
singapore:
Not allowed.
Left Turn: General
denmark:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs, give way to crossing traffic and pedestrians.
singapore:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
U- Turns Allowed
denmark:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign.
singapore:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
denmark:
Accepted; no additional permits needed for short stays
singapore:
International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
denmark:
International Driving Permit recommended
singapore:
International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
denmark:
Mandatory periodic inspections for vehicles
singapore:
Compulsory every 1-2 years depending on vehicle age
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
denmark:
Displayed on the windshield
singapore:
Display not required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
denmark:
Mandatory
singapore:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
denmark:
Recommended
singapore:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
denmark:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
singapore:
To warn of hazards or a vehicle breakdown
Pedestrians Priority
denmark:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
singapore:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks and pedestrian zones
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
denmark:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
singapore:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
denmark:
0.02%
singapore:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
denmark:
0.00%; zero tolerance
singapore:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
denmark:
Common; carried out by the police
singapore:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
denmark:
Can be substantial
singapore:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
denmark:
Signal left if taking any exit other than first
singapore:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
denmark:
112
singapore:
995
Contact: Traffic Police
denmark:
Contact general emergency to report traffic issues
singapore:
999
Contact: Roadside Assistance
denmark:
Contact your insurer or patrol services
singapore:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Singapore
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
denmark:
Mandatory
singapore:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
denmark:
Recommended but not mandatory
singapore:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
denmark:
Varies; fines proportional to salary, can be significant
singapore:
Varies; significant fines, demerit points
Common Fines: Alcohol
denmark:
Substantial fines, possible license forfeiture, or jail
singapore:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
denmark:
Fines apply, mandatory for front and rear seats
singapore:
$120, demerit points for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
denmark:
Fines apply, use of hands-free required
singapore:
$200 to $1,000, demerit points for hand-held use
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
denmark:
Significant fines and possible license points
singapore:
$200 to $500, demerit points
Payment: On The Spot
denmark:
Possible; fines usually handled through post or bank transfer
singapore:
Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by other means
Payment: Deadline
denmark:
Varies; typically within 14 days
singapore:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay