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Driving Differences: El Salvador vs South Africa

When exploring the roads of El Salvador and South Africa, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that impact their journey. Key differences include driving sides and speed limits, with El Salvador adhering to right-hand driving and generally lower urban speed limits, while South Africa drives on the left and allows higher speeds. Understanding these nuances can enhance road safety for travelers.

Lanes

Driving Side
el salvador:
Right
south africa:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
el salvador:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
south africa:
Marks the right edge on roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
el salvador:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
south africa:
Used to demarcate lanes on certain roads.
Overtaking: On Left
el salvador:
Yes
south africa:
Allowed
Overtaking: On Right
el salvador:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
south africa:
Prohibited unless turning.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
el salvador:
Use rightmost lane.
south africa:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
el salvador:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
south africa:
Reserved for buses; marked with road signs and lane markings.
Bus Lanes: Markings
el salvador:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
south africa:
May include the word 'BUS' and specific coloring.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
el salvador:
20-40 km/h
south africa:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
el salvador:
20-30 km/h
south africa:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
60-80 km/h
south africa:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
south africa:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
el salvador:
80-100 km/h
south africa:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
el salvador:
80-90 km/h
south africa:
80-100 km/h
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
el salvador:
No
south africa:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
el salvador:
Yes
south africa:
Yes, common in South Africa

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
south africa:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
el salvador:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
south africa:
Allowed at designated places; check for signs.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
el salvador:
International Driving Permit recommended
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
el salvador:
Mandatory annual inspection
south africa:
Required when transferring ownership or relicensing a vehicle
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
el salvador:
Displayed on the windshield
south africa:
Not applicable
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
south africa:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
south africa:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Enforcement: Random Checks
el salvador:
Common
south africa:
Common; roadblocks are used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
el salvador:
Substantial fines and penalties
south africa:
Substantial; varies based on offense
Test Refusal
el salvador:
Can result in license suspension
south africa:
Can result in license suspension and additional fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
el salvador:
Signal right when preparing to exit
south africa:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
el salvador:
911
south africa:
112 or 10111
Contact: Traffic Police
el salvador:
120
south africa:
Call general emergency number
Contact: Roadside Assistance
el salvador:
121
south africa:
Check with your insurance provider or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA)
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
el salvador:
Required
south africa:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
el salvador:
Recommended
south africa:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
el salvador:
Varies; $20 to $100
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines depending on excess speed
Common Fines: Seat Belts
el salvador:
$20 to $50
south africa:
Common fine; mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
el salvador:
$30 to $100
south africa:
Fines applicable, varies by local ordinance
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
el salvador:
$50 to $200
south africa:
Fines applicable
Payment: On The Spot
el salvador:
Yes, frequently enforced
south africa:
Yes, common with road checkpoints
Payment: Deadline
el salvador:
Typically 30 days to pay
south africa:
Varies depending on violation; typically 30 days to pay