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Driving Differences: El Salvador vs. New Zealand

Discover the essential contrasts in motoring regulations and practices between El Salvador and New Zealand, two countries with distinct driving landscapes. From lane usage to speed limits and emergency protocols, understanding these nuances is vital for ensuring road safety abroad. Prepare yourself for a smoother journey by familiarizing yourself with these key distinctions.

Lanes

Driving Side
el salvador:
Right
new zealand:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
el salvador:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
new zealand:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Right
el salvador:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
new zealand:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
el salvador:
Use rightmost lane.
new zealand:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
el salvador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
new zealand:
Reserved for buses during certain hours.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
el salvador:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
new zealand:
Bicycle symbols and green pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
el salvador:
N/A
new zealand:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
el salvador:
No
new zealand:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
new zealand:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
el salvador:
20-40 km/h
new zealand:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
el salvador:
20-30 km/h
new zealand:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
new zealand:
90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
80-90 km/h
new zealand:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
el salvador:
No
new zealand:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
el salvador:
N/A
new zealand:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
el salvador:
No
new zealand:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
el salvador:
Yes
new zealand:
No; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
el salvador:
Not common in El Salvador
new zealand:
Not used in New Zealand
Traffic Signs: Language
el salvador:
Spanish; symbols are standard
new zealand:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
el salvador:
Triangle-shaped with red border
new zealand:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
new zealand:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
new zealand:
Permitted unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
el salvador:
Mandatory annual inspection
new zealand:
Regular inspection required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
el salvador:
Displayed on the windshield
new zealand:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
new zealand:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
new zealand:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
el salvador:
Frequent use in some areas to communicate
new zealand:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
el salvador:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
new zealand:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
el salvador:
Yield and make way
new zealand:
Move to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
el salvador:
0.02%
new zealand:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
el salvador:
Common
new zealand:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
el salvador:
Substantial fines and penalties
new zealand:
Substantial fines, can vary widely
Test Refusal
el salvador:
Can result in license suspension
new zealand:
Can result in license suspension and other penalties

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
el salvador:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
new zealand:
Signal left if making an immediate left turn upon entry

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
el salvador:
911
new zealand:
111
Contact: Traffic Police
el salvador:
120
new zealand:
111
Contact: Roadside Assistance
el salvador:
121
new zealand:
0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association)
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
el salvador:
Varies; $20 to $100
new zealand:
Varies; $30 to $630, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
el salvador:
$20 to $50
new zealand:
$150, points may also apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
el salvador:
$30 to $100
new zealand:
$80 to $150, points in some circumstances
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
el salvador:
$50 to $200
new zealand:
$150, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
el salvador:
Yes, frequently enforced
new zealand:
No; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
el salvador:
Typically 30 days to pay
new zealand:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay