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Driving in Fiji vs. Jamaica: Key Safety Differences

Discover the unique nuances of navigating the roads in Fiji and Jamaica. While both countries share some commonalities, significant distinctions arise in lane regulations, speed limits, and traffic etiquette. Understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance while exploring these vibrant destinations.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
fiji:
Centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed.
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
fiji:
Centerline on two-way roads; overtaking permitted.
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
Overtaking: On Right
fiji:
Yes
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
fiji:
Railroad crossings
jamaica:
Bridge crossings
Bus Lanes: Presence
fiji:
No
jamaica:
Limited
Bus Lanes: Usage
fiji:
N/A
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
Bus Lanes: Markings
fiji:
N/A
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
Cycle Lanes: Presence
fiji:
No
jamaica:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
fiji:
N/A
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
Cycle Lanes: Markings
fiji:
N/A
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
fiji:
N/A
jamaica:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
fiji:
N/A
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
fiji:
50 kph
jamaica:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
fiji:
30 kph
jamaica:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
fiji:
80 kph
jamaica:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
fiji:
70 kph
jamaica:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
fiji:
60 kph
jamaica:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
fiji:
100 kph
jamaica:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
fiji:
90 kph
jamaica:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
fiji:
80 kph
jamaica:
80 km/h
Speed Units
fiji:
kph
jamaica:
km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
fiji:
N/A
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
fiji:
Yes; fines can be issued at the scene
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
fiji:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
jamaica:
Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
fiji:
Not used in Fiji
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
Horn Usage: Allowed
fiji:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
fiji:
Unnecessary use discouraged; fines can apply
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
Horn Usage: Penalties
fiji:
Fines may apply for misuse
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
Headlight Flash: Usage
fiji:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
fiji:
Not to be used to signal other messages
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
Hand Signals: Permitted
fiji:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
Hand Signals: Common Usage
fiji:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
Traffic Signs: Warning
fiji:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
fiji:
Not allowed.
jamaica:
Prohibited
Left Turn: General
fiji:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
Left Turn: At Intersections
fiji:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
U- Turns Allowed
fiji:
Allowed only where indicated by signs
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
fiji:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
fiji:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
fiji:
Annual vehicle inspections are mandatory
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
fiji:
Displayed on the windshield
jamaica:
Not consistently used
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
fiji:
Not mandatory
jamaica:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
fiji:
Not mandatory
jamaica:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
fiji:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
jamaica:
To signal intentions or warnings
Flashing Lights: Misuse
fiji:
Discouraged, fines may apply
jamaica:
Informally regulated
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
fiji:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
jamaica:
Common practice
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
fiji:
Discouraged and may be penalized
jamaica:
Discouraged
Use Of Horn: Limited
fiji:
Only in emergency situations
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
fiji:
Often used for greetings or to alert pedestrians and other vehicles
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
Pedestrians Priority
fiji:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
fiji:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
fiji:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
fiji:
0.05%
jamaica:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
fiji:
0.00%; zero tolerance
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
fiji:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
Zero Tolerance: Medications
fiji:
Check if medication affects driving ability
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
Enforcement: Random Checks
fiji:
Common; checkpoints frequently used
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
Enforcement: Fines
fiji:
Substantial fines, potential loss of license
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
Enforcement: Imprisonment
fiji:
Possible for severe offenses
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
Test Refusal
fiji:
Can result in license suspension
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
fiji:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
jamaica:
Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority
Priority: Inside
fiji:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
fiji:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
Signaling: Exiting
fiji:
Signal right when preparing to exit
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
fiji:
Use for first exit or straight
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
Lane Usage: Left
fiji:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
jamaica:
Use for other exits

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
fiji:
911
jamaica:
119 or 110
Contact: Traffic Police
fiji:
911 for emergencies; *000 for non-emergencies on mobile phones
jamaica:
119
Contact: Roadside Assistance
fiji:
Contact your insurance provider
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
fiji:
Not mandatory, but recommended
jamaica:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
fiji:
Not mandatory, but recommended
jamaica:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
fiji:
Varies; $50 to $500
jamaica:
Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit
Common Fines: Alcohol
fiji:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
fiji:
Mandatory; fines can apply
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
fiji:
Use while driving is prohibited, fines apply
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
fiji:
Fines apply; obey signals
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
Payment: On The Spot
fiji:
Yes; fines can be issued at the scene
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
fiji:
Varies; typically within 7 to 14 days
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
Foreign Drivers: Fines
fiji:
Same as residents; must be paid
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
fiji:
Possible if fines are not paid
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines