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Driving in El Salvador vs. Senegal: Key Differences

Driving in El Salvador and Senegal presents unique challenges and regulations that travelers should be aware of. Key distinctions, such as varying speed limits and stringent alcohol laws, play a crucial role in ensuring road safety. Understanding these nuances is essential for a secure and enjoyable driving experience in both nations.

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
el salvador:
Not common in El Salvador
senegal:
Not used in Senegal
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
el salvador:
Signal when entering and exiting
senegal:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
el salvador:
Spanish; symbols are standard
senegal:
French; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
senegal:
Not commonly allowed
U- Turns Allowed
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
senegal:
Allowed at intersections unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
senegal:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
senegal:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
el salvador:
Mandatory annual inspection
senegal:
Annual inspection required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
el salvador:
Displayed on the windshield
senegal:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
senegal:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
senegal:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
el salvador:
0.05%
senegal:
0.00%
Limits: Professional Drivers
el salvador:
0.02%
senegal:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
el salvador:
0.00%
senegal:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
el salvador:
Common
senegal:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
el salvador:
Substantial fines and penalties
senegal:
Can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
el salvador:
911
senegal:
18 or 17
Contact: Traffic Police
el salvador:
120
senegal:
17
Contact: Roadside Assistance
el salvador:
121
senegal:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
senegal:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
senegal:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
el salvador:
Varies; $20 to $100
senegal:
Varies; 10,000 CFA to 50,000 CFA
Common Fines: Seat Belts
el salvador:
$20 to $50
senegal:
10,000 CFA
Common Fines: Phone Use
el salvador:
$30 to $100
senegal:
Varies; significant fines
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
el salvador:
$50 to $200
senegal:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
el salvador:
Yes, frequently enforced
senegal:
Yes; often required immediately
Payment: Deadline
el salvador:
Typically 30 days to pay
senegal:
Varies; typically 7 to 30 days