Driving Differences: Ecuador vs. Maldives Uncovered
Ecuador and the Maldives present intriguing contrasts in their road regulations and driving customs. With Ecuador driving on the right and the Maldives on the left, travelers must adapt to unique lane markings, speed limits, and signaling practices. Understanding these crucial distinctions can enhance your journey and ensure a safer experience on foreign roads.
Lanes
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives. |
| Overtaking: On Left | Yes | No |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Yes, when safe and legal. |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Yes | Limited |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with 'BUS' in some areas. | May be designated with road signs or markings. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Minimal |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with motor vehicles in some areas. | Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Usually not specifically marked in many areas. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | Not applicable |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Not applicable |
Driving Side
ecuador:
Right
maldives:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ecuador:
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
ecuador:
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
ecuador:
Yes
maldives:
No
Overtaking: On Right
ecuador:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
maldives:
Yes, when safe and legal.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
ecuador:
Use rightmost lane.
maldives:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
ecuador:
Yes
maldives:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
ecuador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
maldives:
Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ecuador:
Labeled with 'BUS' in some areas.
maldives:
May be designated with road signs or markings.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
ecuador:
Limited
maldives:
Minimal
Cycle Lanes: Usage
ecuador:
Shared with motor vehicles in some areas.
maldives:
Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ecuador:
N/A
maldives:
Usually not specifically marked in many areas.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ecuador:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ecuador:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable
Speeds Limits
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 25 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | Not applicable |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | Not applicable |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | Not applicable |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Not applicable |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes; often applied for traffic violations. | Common |
Urban Areas: Standard
ecuador:
50 km/h
maldives:
30 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
ecuador:
30 km/h
maldives:
25 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ecuador:
90 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
ecuador:
90 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ecuador:
70 km/h
maldives:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ecuador:
100 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
ecuador:
90 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ecuador:
90 km/h
maldives:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ecuador:
N/A
maldives:
Not applicable
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ecuador:
Yes; often applied for traffic violations.
maldives:
Common
Signals
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Ecuador | Not commonly used in Maldives |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply. | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | N/A | Fines may apply for misuse |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Spanish; symbols are standard. | Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle-shaped with white background | Country-specific shapes and colors |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
ecuador:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
maldives:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ecuador:
Not used in Ecuador
maldives:
Not commonly used in Maldives
Horn Usage: Allowed
ecuador:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
maldives:
Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ecuador:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
maldives:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
ecuador:
N/A
maldives:
Fines may apply for misuse
Traffic Signs: Language
ecuador:
Spanish; symbols are standard.
maldives:
Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
ecuador:
Triangle-shaped with white background
maldives:
Country-specific shapes and colors
Turns
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited unless a sign permits. | Not allowed unless signed |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed where signposted or when safe and legal. | Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Limited, mainly at main intersections |
Right Turn On Red
ecuador:
Prohibited unless a sign permits.
maldives:
Not allowed unless signed
U- Turns Allowed
ecuador:
Allowed where signposted or when safe and legal.
maldives:
Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated
Special Turn Lanes
ecuador:
Yes, marked with arrows
maldives:
Limited, mainly at main intersections
Documentation
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted with International Driving Permit |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted with International Driving Permit |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection is mandatory | Periodic checks required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield. | Usually displayed on the vehicle |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ecuador:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ecuador:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ecuador:
Annual inspection is mandatory
maldives:
Periodic checks required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ecuador:
Displayed on the windshield.
maldives:
Usually displayed on the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ecuador:
Mandatory
maldives:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ecuador:
Mandatory
maldives:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply. | Discouraged, fines may apply |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. | Common practice |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized. | Discouraged and may be penalized |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations. | Only in emergency situations |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in urban areas. | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights |
Flashing Lights: Usage
ecuador:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
maldives:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
ecuador:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
maldives:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
ecuador:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
maldives:
Common practice
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
ecuador:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
maldives:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
ecuador:
Only in emergency situations.
maldives:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ecuador:
Frequent use in urban areas.
maldives:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
ecuador:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
maldives:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ecuador:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
maldives:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
ecuador:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
maldives:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Alcohol
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.03% | 0.00% |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability. | Check if medication affects driving ability |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; police frequently set up checkpoints. | Less common |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies; significant fines imposed. | Fines can be substantial |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses. | Possible for severe offenses |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension. | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
ecuador:
0.03%
maldives:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
ecuador:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
maldives:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
ecuador:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
maldives:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
ecuador:
Common; police frequently set up checkpoints.
maldives:
Less common
Enforcement: Fines
ecuador:
Varies; significant fines imposed.
maldives:
Fines can be substantial
Enforcement: Imprisonment
ecuador:
Possible for severe offenses.
maldives:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
ecuador:
Can result in license suspension.
maldives:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. | Signal if turning immediately upon entry |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit. | Signal right when preparing to exit |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight. | Appropriate lanes as per signage |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. | Appropriate lanes as per signage |
Priority: Entering
ecuador:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
maldives:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
ecuador:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
maldives:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
ecuador:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
maldives:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
ecuador:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
maldives:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
ecuador:
Use for first exit or straight.
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
Lane Usage: Left
ecuador:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
Emergency Services
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 or 112 | 119 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Use general emergency numbers. | Contact local police for traffic issues |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Available through insurance companies or auto clubs. | Check with your insurance provider |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
ecuador:
911 or 112
maldives:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
ecuador:
Use general emergency numbers.
maldives:
Contact local police for traffic issues
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ecuador:
Available through insurance companies or auto clubs.
maldives:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ecuador:
Mandatory
maldives:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ecuador:
Mandatory
maldives:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Ecuador | Maldives | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be substantial based on speed. | Varies; fines start from MVR 750 |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe fines and possible imprisonment. | Severe penalties including license suspension |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply for not wearing seat belts. | Fines apply for non-compliance |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply; varies by infraction. | Fines for use without hands-free |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Hefty fines for violations. | Substantial fines |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; often required. | Possible for minor offenses |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; fines must be paid promptly to avoid additional penalties. | Varies; typically within a specified time |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid. | Same as residents; must be paid |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid. | Possible if fines are not paid |
Common Fines: Speeding
ecuador:
Varies; can be substantial based on speed.
maldives:
Varies; fines start from MVR 750
Common Fines: Alcohol
ecuador:
Severe fines and possible imprisonment.
maldives:
Severe penalties including license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ecuador:
Fines apply for not wearing seat belts.
maldives:
Fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
ecuador:
Fines apply; varies by infraction.
maldives:
Fines for use without hands-free
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ecuador:
Hefty fines for violations.
maldives:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
ecuador:
Yes; often required.
maldives:
Possible for minor offenses
Payment: Deadline
ecuador:
Varies; fines must be paid promptly to avoid additional penalties.
maldives:
Varies; typically within a specified time
Foreign Drivers: Fines
ecuador:
Same as residents; must be paid.
maldives:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
ecuador:
Possible if fines are not paid.
maldives:
Possible if fines are not paid