Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in Egypt vs. Ghana: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Egypt and Ghana, understanding the unique traffic regulations and customs is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, horn usage, and lane etiquette. While Egypt allows overtaking on multi-lane roads, Ghana discourages this practice. Familiarizing yourself with these variations can ensure a smoother driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Right
egypt:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
ghana:
Generally not advised.
Bus Lanes: Presence
egypt:
Limited
ghana:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
egypt:
Typically used by buses and minibuses.
ghana:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
egypt:
Not consistently marked.
ghana:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
egypt:
Limited
ghana:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
egypt:
Rare and may not be exclusive to bicycles.
ghana:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
egypt:
Often unmarked.
ghana:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
egypt:
N/A
ghana:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
egypt:
Fixed speed limits.
ghana:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
egypt:
40-60 km/h
ghana:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
egypt:
40 km/h
ghana:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
egypt:
70-90 km/h
ghana:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
egypt:
70-90 km/h
ghana:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
egypt:
70-90 km/h
ghana:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
egypt:
90-120 km/h
ghana:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
egypt:
90-100 km/h
ghana:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
egypt:
80-90 km/h
ghana:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
egypt:
Fixed speed limits
ghana:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
egypt:
Yes; fines are often paid immediately
ghana:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
egypt:
Not used in Egypt
ghana:
Not used in Ghana
Horn Usage: Allowed
egypt:
Commonly used to communicate with other drivers
ghana:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
egypt:
Unnecessary use discouraged; certain areas may restrict usage
ghana:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
egypt:
Fines can occur for excessive misuse
ghana:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
egypt:
To signal other drivers or warn of presence
ghana:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
egypt:
Not officially regulated
ghana:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Common Usage
egypt:
Used in some situations due to high traffic density
ghana:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
egypt:
Arabic; symbols are standard
ghana:
English
Traffic Signs: Warning
egypt:
Triangles with a red border and white background
ghana:
Triangular with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
egypt:
Usually not allowed unless indicated otherwise
ghana:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
egypt:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
ghana:
Prohibited unless indicated

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
egypt:
Valid Egyptian driver's license required
ghana:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
egypt:
International Driving Permit recommended
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
egypt:
International Driving Permit required
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
egypt:
Mandatory annual inspection
ghana:
Mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
egypt:
Provided after passing inspection
ghana:
Displayed on vehicle

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Misuse
egypt:
Common in high traffic areas
ghana:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
egypt:
Common practice, though not always observed
ghana:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
egypt:
Commonly used
ghana:
Only in emergency situations
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
egypt:
Give way and allow passage
ghana:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
egypt:
0.05%
ghana:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
egypt:
0.02%
ghana:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
egypt:
0.00%; zero tolerance
ghana:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
egypt:
Conducted frequently
ghana:
Yes, used occasionally
Enforcement: Fines
egypt:
Can be substantial
ghana:
Substantial
Test Refusal
egypt:
Can result in penalties and license suspension
ghana:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
egypt:
122
ghana:
191
Contact: Traffic Police
egypt:
122
ghana:
18555

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
egypt:
Varies; fines can be significant
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
Common Fines: Alcohol
egypt:
Severe penalties including fines and possible jail time
ghana:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
egypt:
Fines apply for non-compliance
ghana:
Moderate fines
Common Fines: Phone Use
egypt:
Fines apply for non-compliance
ghana:
Fines apply for holding and using a phone
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
egypt:
Significant fines and points on license
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
egypt:
Yes; fines are often paid immediately
ghana:
Common
Payment: Deadline
egypt:
Varies; typically within a few weeks
ghana:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay