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Driving Differences: Estonia vs. Guatemala Explained

Discover the fascinating contrasts between driving regulations in Estonia and Guatemala. While Estonia boasts well-marked bus and cycle lanes, Guatemala relies more on shared road spaces. Speed limits vary significantly, with Estonia enforcing lower thresholds for general drivers. Understanding these key distinctions is vital for ensuring a safe driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Presence
estonia:
Yes
guatemala:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
estonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
guatemala:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
estonia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
guatemala:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
estonia:
Yes
guatemala:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
estonia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
guatemala:
Shared with vehicles in some areas.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
estonia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
guatemala:
Varies by location.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
estonia:
N/A
guatemala:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
estonia:
Yes
guatemala:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
estonia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
guatemala:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
estonia:
50 km/h
guatemala:
40-60 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
estonia:
90 km/h
guatemala:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
estonia:
90 km/h
guatemala:
70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
estonia:
80 km/h
guatemala:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
estonia:
110 km/h (summer period: May to October)
guatemala:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
estonia:
110 km/h (summer period: May to October)
guatemala:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
estonia:
80-90 km/h
guatemala:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
estonia:
Yes
guatemala:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
estonia:
Electronic signs display current limits
guatemala:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
estonia:
Yes
guatemala:
Limited use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
estonia:
Yes
guatemala:
Yes, common practice

Signals

Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
estonia:
Yellow
guatemala:
Amber
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
estonia:
Not used in Estonia
guatemala:
Not used in Guatemala
Traffic Signs: Language
estonia:
Estonian; symbols are standard
guatemala:
Spanish; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
estonia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
guatemala:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
estonia:
Prohibited unless indicated by a sign
guatemala:
Varies, check local signs for permission
U- Turns Allowed
estonia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
guatemala:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
estonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
guatemala:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
estonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
guatemala:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
estonia:
Required every year; proof must be carried
guatemala:
Mandatory; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
estonia:
Displayed on the windshield
guatemala:
Displayed on the vehicle

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
estonia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
guatemala:
More frequent use compared to some countries

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
estonia:
0.02%
guatemala:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
estonia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
guatemala:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
estonia:
Common; checkpoints used
guatemala:
Common, especially at night
Enforcement: Fines
estonia:
Varies; can be substantial
guatemala:
Varies by locality; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
estonia:
112
guatemala:
122
Contact: Traffic Police
estonia:
112
guatemala:
110

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
estonia:
Varies; substantial fines apply
guatemala:
Varies; substantial fines
Common Fines: Seat Belts
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
guatemala:
Fines imposed
Common Fines: Phone Use
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
guatemala:
Fines imposed
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
guatemala:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
estonia:
Yes
guatemala:
Yes, often required
Payment: Deadline
estonia:
Varies; typically must pay within specified period to avoid additional penalties
guatemala:
Varies; check with local authorities