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Driving in Estonia vs. Vietnam: Key Differences Explained

When navigating the roads of Estonia and Vietnam, drivers encounter distinct regulations that shape their experiences. With Estonia's strict variable speed limits and mandatory emergency equipment, contrasted with Vietnam's more flexible rules, understanding these key variances is essential for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Explore how these countries prioritize motorist safety differently!

Lanes

Variable Speed Limits: Presence
estonia:
Yes
vietnam:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
estonia:
Electronic signs display current limits.
vietnam:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
estonia:
50 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
estonia:
30 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
estonia:
90 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
estonia:
90 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
estonia:
80 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
estonia:
110 km/h (summer period: May to October)
vietnam:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
estonia:
110 km/h (summer period: May to October)
vietnam:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
estonia:
80-90 km/h
vietnam:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
estonia:
Yes
vietnam:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
estonia:
Electronic signs display current limits
vietnam:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
estonia:
Yes
vietnam:
Common

Signals

Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
estonia:
Yellow
vietnam:
Amber
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
estonia:
Not used in Estonia
vietnam:
Not used in Vietnam
Horn Usage: Allowed
estonia:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
vietnam:
Commonly used in urban areas
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
estonia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
vietnam:
Limited restriction
Horn Usage: Penalties
estonia:
Fines may apply for misuse
vietnam:
Fines in some areas for excessive use
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
estonia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
vietnam:
Discouraged for signaling other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
estonia:
Estonian; symbols are standard
vietnam:
Vietnamese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
estonia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
vietnam:
Triangle-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
estonia:
Prohibited unless indicated by a sign
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
estonia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
estonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
estonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
estonia:
Required every year; proof must be carried
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
estonia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
estonia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
estonia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
vietnam:
Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
estonia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
vietnam:
Expected in congested traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
estonia:
Only in emergency situations
vietnam:
Common but limited by law in cities
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
estonia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
vietnam:
Frequent use compared to Western countries
Pedestrians Priority
estonia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
vietnam:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
estonia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
vietnam:
Pull over and stop, if possible

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
estonia:
0.02%
vietnam:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
estonia:
0.00%
vietnam:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
estonia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Random Checks
estonia:
Common; checkpoints used
vietnam:
Common

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
estonia:
112
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
estonia:
112
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
estonia:
Check with your insurance provider
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
estonia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
estonia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
estonia:
Varies; substantial fines apply
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
estonia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
estonia:
Yes
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
estonia:
Varies; typically must pay within specified period to avoid additional penalties
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days