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Driving Differences: Ecuador vs. Lebanon Safety Tips

Ecuador and Lebanon showcase diverse road regulations and driving norms that can significantly affect your travel experience. From varying speed limits to unique lane markings, understanding these contrasts is essential for ensuring your safety and compliance on the road. Discover the key distinctions to navigate with confidence in either country.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ecuador:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
lebanon:
Typically used to mark out zones where parking is prohibited.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
ecuador:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
lebanon:
Used as a separation line in some areas.
Bus Lanes: Presence
ecuador:
Yes
lebanon:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
ecuador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
lebanon:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
ecuador:
Labeled with 'BUS' in some areas.
lebanon:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
ecuador:
Limited
lebanon:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
ecuador:
Shared with motor vehicles in some areas.
lebanon:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ecuador:
N/A
lebanon:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ecuador:
N/A
lebanon:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ecuador:
N/A
lebanon:
N/A

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
ecuador:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
lebanon:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ecuador:
Not used in Ecuador
lebanon:
Not used in Lebanon
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
ecuador:
Signal when exiting
lebanon:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ecuador:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
lebanon:
Avoid unnecessary use in urban areas
Horn Usage: Penalties
ecuador:
N/A
lebanon:
Fines may apply for misuse
Traffic Signs: Language
ecuador:
Spanish; symbols are standard.
lebanon:
Arabic and French; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
ecuador:
Triangle-shaped with white background
lebanon:
Triangle-shaped with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
ecuador:
Prohibited unless a sign permits.
lebanon:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
ecuador:
Allowed where signposted or when safe and legal.
lebanon:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

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

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
ecuador:
0.03%
lebanon:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
ecuador:
0.00%
lebanon:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
ecuador:
0.00%
lebanon:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
ecuador:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
lebanon:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
ecuador:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
lebanon:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
ecuador:
Common; police frequently set up checkpoints.
lebanon:
Common through checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
ecuador:
Varies; significant fines imposed.
lebanon:
Substantial for violations
Enforcement: Imprisonment
ecuador:
Possible for severe offenses.
lebanon:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
ecuador:
Can result in license suspension.
lebanon:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
ecuador:
911 or 112
lebanon:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ecuador:
Use general emergency numbers.
lebanon:
112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ecuador:
Available through insurance companies or auto clubs.
lebanon:
Varies; consult your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ecuador:
Mandatory
lebanon:
Not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
ecuador:
Varies; can be substantial based on speed.
lebanon:
Varies; may lead to substantial fines
Common Fines: Alcohol
ecuador:
Severe fines and possible imprisonment.
lebanon:
Fines and potential incarceration
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ecuador:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts.
lebanon:
Mandatory for all passengers
Common Fines: Phone Use
ecuador:
Fines apply; varies by infraction.
lebanon:
Fines imposed for mobile use without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ecuador:
Hefty fines for violations.
lebanon:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
ecuador:
Yes; often required.
lebanon:
Possible; often paid at stations
Payment: Deadline
ecuador:
Varies; fines must be paid promptly to avoid additional penalties.
lebanon:
Usually within 15-30 days
Foreign Drivers: Fines
ecuador:
Same as residents; must be paid.
lebanon:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
ecuador:
Possible if fines are not paid.
lebanon:
Possible if fines are not paid