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Driving in El Salvador vs. Ghana: Key Differences Explained

When exploring the roads of El Salvador and Ghana, drivers encounter distinct rules and practices that shape their travel experiences. Key differences include speed limits, lane usage, and documentation requirements, which are crucial for ensuring road safety in each country. Understanding these variations can greatly enhance your driving confidence abroad.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Right
el salvador:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
ghana:
Generally not advised.
Bus Lanes: Presence
el salvador:
Yes
ghana:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
el salvador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
ghana:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
el salvador:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
ghana:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
el salvador:
Yes
ghana:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
el salvador:
Exclusive for bicycles.
ghana:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
el salvador:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
ghana:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
el salvador:
N/A
ghana:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
ghana:
N/A

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
el salvador:
Not common in El Salvador
ghana:
Not used in Ghana
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
el salvador:
Signal when entering and exiting
ghana:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
el salvador:
Spanish; symbols are standard
ghana:
English
Traffic Signs: Warning
el salvador:
Triangle-shaped with red border
ghana:
Triangular with red border

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
ghana:
Prohibited unless indicated

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
el salvador:
Mandatory annual inspection
ghana:
Mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
el salvador:
Displayed on the windshield
ghana:
Displayed on vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
ghana:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
ghana:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
el salvador:
0.05%
ghana:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
el salvador:
0.02%
ghana:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
el salvador:
Common
ghana:
Yes, used occasionally
Enforcement: Fines
el salvador:
Substantial fines and penalties
ghana:
Substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
el salvador:
911
ghana:
191
Contact: Traffic Police
el salvador:
120
ghana:
18555
Contact: Roadside Assistance
el salvador:
121
ghana:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
ghana:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
ghana:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
el salvador:
Varies; $20 to $100
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
Common Fines: Seat Belts
el salvador:
$20 to $50
ghana:
Moderate fines
Common Fines: Phone Use
el salvador:
$30 to $100
ghana:
Fines apply for holding and using a phone
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
el salvador:
$50 to $200
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
el salvador:
Yes, frequently enforced
ghana:
Common
Payment: Deadline
el salvador:
Typically 30 days to pay
ghana:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay