Driving in the Dominican Republic vs. Panama: Key Differences
Explore the intriguing contrasts between the Dominican Republic and Panama regarding road regulations and safety measures. From speed limits and lane usage to the enforcement of alcohol limits, this comprehensive comparison reveals essential distinctions that every traveler should know to navigate these vibrant countries with confidence and caution.
Driving Side
The driving side in dominican-republic is the Right Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in dominican-republic is 19
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for dominican-republic is 1.235 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes, mostly in the capital Santo Domingo | Yes | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; some taxis may also use them. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes, in some urban areas | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with motorized two-wheelers in some areas. | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Often not marked. | Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers. |
Speeds Limits
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 25-30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | No; speed checks are done by police radar | Yes | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Possible for traffic infractions | Common |
Signals
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Dominican Republic | Not used in Panama | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Commonly used in many situations | Only in cases to avoid accidents | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas |
Turns
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not generally allowed unless indicated by a sign | Generally not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Prohibited on major roads; check for signs | Varies by location; check for signs |
Documentation
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, annual inspection required | Mandatory every two years for new cars | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required | Mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Commonly used more frequently than in some countries | Only in emergency situations | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in traffic | Frequent use, especially in urban areas |
Explore the intriguing contrasts between the Dominican Republic and Panama regarding road regulations and safety measures. From speed limits and lane usage to the enforcement of alcohol limits, this comprehensive comparison reveals essential distinctions that every traveler should know to navigate these vibrant countries with confidence and caution.
Alcohol
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.00% (zero tolerance) | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Less common; some checkpoints used in urban areas | Common, especially during weekends | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; can lead to license suspension | Varies; can be substantial | |
| Test Refusal | Results in arrest and license suspension | Can result in license suspension |
Emergency Services
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 911 or designated local numbers | 104 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required and recommended as a safety measure | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended for safety | Recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Dominican republic | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be steep depending on the violation | Varies; $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory use; fines for non-compliance | $25 to $75 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for using a phone while driving without hands-free devices | Varies; fines and points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines for non-compliance with signals | $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for common violations | Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; often within 15-30 days | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |