Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in El Salvador vs. Ivory Coast: Key Differences

Exploring the roads of El Salvador and Ivory Coast reveals intriguing distinctions in their driving practices. From speed limits to lane usage, each country showcases unique regulations that impact road safety. Notably, El Salvador enforces lower urban speed limits, while Ivory Coast adopts a higher threshold, emphasizing the importance of understanding these variances for a secure journey abroad.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Usage
el salvador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
ivory coast:
Typically reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
el salvador:
Exclusive for bicycles.
ivory coast:
Exclusive for bicycles, but limited in urban areas.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
el salvador:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
ivory coast:
Bicycle symbols and possibly colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
el salvador:
N/A
ivory coast:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
ivory coast:
Not applicable

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
el salvador:
20-40 km/h
ivory coast:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
el salvador:
20-30 km/h
ivory coast:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
ivory coast:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
ivory coast:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
ivory coast:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
ivory coast:
110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
ivory coast:
110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
80-90 km/h
ivory coast:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
ivory coast:
Not applicable
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
el salvador:
No
ivory coast:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
el salvador:
Yes
ivory coast:
Yes, for some infractions.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
el salvador:
Not common in El Salvador
ivory coast:
Not used in Ivory Coast
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
el salvador:
Signal when entering and exiting
ivory coast:
Signal when exiting
Headlight Flash: Usage
el salvador:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
ivory coast:
To warn other drivers of your presence
Traffic Signs: Language
el salvador:
Spanish; symbols are standard
ivory coast:
French; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
el salvador:
Triangle-shaped with red border
ivory coast:
Triangular with red border

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
ivory coast:
Varies by locality; check for signs

Documentation

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

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
el salvador:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
ivory coast:
To warn of hazards
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
el salvador:
Frequent use in some areas to communicate
ivory coast:
More frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
el salvador:
Yield and make way
ivory coast:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
el salvador:
0.05%
ivory coast:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
el salvador:
0.02%
ivory coast:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
el salvador:
0.00%
ivory coast:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance applies
Enforcement: Random Checks
el salvador:
Common
ivory coast:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
el salvador:
Substantial fines and penalties
ivory coast:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
el salvador:
911
ivory coast:
170
Contact: Traffic Police
el salvador:
120
ivory coast:
171
Contact: Roadside Assistance
el salvador:
121
ivory coast:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
ivory coast:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
ivory coast:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
el salvador:
Varies; $20 to $100
ivory coast:
Varies; fines may apply, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
el salvador:
$20 to $50
ivory coast:
Varies, points may apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
el salvador:
$30 to $100
ivory coast:
Fines may apply, points may apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
el salvador:
$50 to $200
ivory coast:
Fines may apply, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
el salvador:
Yes, frequently enforced
ivory coast:
Possible for some infractions
Payment: Deadline
el salvador:
Typically 30 days to pay
ivory coast:
Varies; typically stipulated