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Driving Differences: El Salvador vs. Finland

When it comes to navigating the roads, El Salvador and Finland present intriguing contrasts in their regulations and practices. Key distinctions include speed limits, traffic signage, and documentation requirements. Understanding these variances is essential for ensuring a secure and smooth journey when driving in either country.

Lanes

Variable Speed Limits: Presence
el salvador:
No
finland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
finland:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
el salvador:
20-40 km/h
finland:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
el salvador:
20-30 km/h
finland:
30-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
finland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
finland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
finland:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
finland:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
finland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
80-90 km/h
finland:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
el salvador:
No
finland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
finland:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
el salvador:
No
finland:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
el salvador:
Not common in El Salvador
finland:
Not commonly used
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
el salvador:
Signal when entering and exiting
finland:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
el salvador:
Spanish; symbols are standard
finland:
Finnish and Swedish; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
el salvador:
Triangle-shaped with red border
finland:
Triangular-shaped with a yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
finland:
Not generally allowed

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
finland:
Accepted; no International Driving Permit needed
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
finland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit, or official translation
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
el salvador:
Mandatory annual inspection
finland:
Mandatory; must display valid inspection sticker
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
el salvador:
Displayed on the windshield
finland:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
finland:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
finland:
Mandatory for certain situations

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
el salvador:
Frequent use in some areas to communicate
finland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
el salvador:
Yield and make way
finland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Underage Drivers
el salvador:
0.00%
finland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
el salvador:
Common
finland:
Common; checkpoints used
Enforcement: Fines
el salvador:
Substantial fines and penalties
finland:
Can be substantial
Test Refusal
el salvador:
Can result in license suspension
finland:
Results in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
el salvador:
911
finland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
el salvador:
120
finland:
Contact through 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
el salvador:
121
finland:
Check with your insurance provider or Autoliitto
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
finland:
Mandatory, recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
finland:
Mandatory, recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
el salvador:
Varies; $20 to $100
finland:
Varies; fines based on income
Common Fines: Seat Belts
el salvador:
$20 to $50
finland:
Fines apply, typically €85
Common Fines: Phone Use
el salvador:
$30 to $100
finland:
Fines apply, typically €100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
el salvador:
$50 to $200
finland:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
el salvador:
Yes, frequently enforced
finland:
Possible; usually drive must pay later
Payment: Deadline
el salvador:
Typically 30 days to pay
finland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay