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Driving in France vs. Myanmar: Key Safety Differences

Discover the unique driving cultures of France and Myanmar as we delve into their distinct road regulations and practices. From lane usage and speed limits to traffic signs and penalties, this comparison reveals crucial insights for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Understanding these contrasts is essential for every traveler hitting the road in unfamiliar territories.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
france:
Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks.
myanmar:
Marks the edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
france:
Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe.
myanmar:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
france:
Yes
myanmar:
No, overtaking is on the right.
Overtaking: On Right
france:
Allowed only in specific conditions, such as heavy traffic; not generally recommended.
myanmar:
Allowed as this is the side of overtaking.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
france:
Use rightmost lane.
myanmar:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
france:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists.
myanmar:
Usually reserved for buses, some allow taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
france:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
myanmar:
Labeled appropriately; road signs indicate usage.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
france:
Yes
myanmar:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
france:
Exclusive for bicycles.
myanmar:
Cyclists usually share the road with vehicles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
france:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
myanmar:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
france:
Yes
myanmar:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
france:
Electronic signs display current limits.
myanmar:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
france:
50 km/h
myanmar:
30-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
france:
80 km/h
myanmar:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
france:
80 km/h
myanmar:
50 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
france:
130 km/h
myanmar:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
france:
100 km/h
myanmar:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
france:
90 km/h
myanmar:
70 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
france:
Yes
myanmar:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
france:
Electronic signs display current limits
myanmar:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
france:
Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation
myanmar:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
france:
Not used in France
myanmar:
Not used in Myanmar
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
france:
Signal when entering and exiting
myanmar:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
france:
Unnecessary use discouraged especially at night; local ordinances may apply
myanmar:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
france:
French; symbols are standard
myanmar:
Burmese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
france:
Triangular with red border
myanmar:
Triangular or rectangular with red or yellow backgrounds

Turns

Right Turn On Red
france:
Not allowed
myanmar:
Prohibited unless permitted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
france:
Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs
myanmar:
Prohibited unless permitted by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
france:
Accepted for short visits
myanmar:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
france:
International Driving Permit recommended
myanmar:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
france:
Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically
myanmar:
Yes, periodic inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
france:
Displayed on windshield
myanmar:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
myanmar:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory in vehicle
myanmar:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
france:
Reserved mainly for use in emergencies
myanmar:
Moderate use, more common in cities
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
france:
Pull over and stop if necessary
myanmar:
Move to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
france:
0.05%
myanmar:
0.07%
Limits: Professional Drivers
france:
0.02%
myanmar:
0.03%
Enforcement: Random Checks
france:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
myanmar:
Less common; often during festivals
Enforcement: Fines
france:
Can be substantial
myanmar:
Varies by severity; can be substantial
Test Refusal
france:
Can result in license suspension
myanmar:
Can lead to arrest and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
france:
Signal when entering if turning right
myanmar:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
france:
112
myanmar:
199
Contact: Traffic Police
france:
17 or through local police
myanmar:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
france:
Check with your insurance provider or assistance service
myanmar:
Available through some insurance providers
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
france:
Mandatory
myanmar:
Recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
france:
Mandatory
myanmar:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
france:
Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points
myanmar:
Varies; small fines for minor overshoots
Common Fines: Alcohol
france:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation
myanmar:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
france:
€135
myanmar:
Fine enforced; mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
france:
€135
myanmar:
Fines for usage while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
france:
€135
myanmar:
Fines applied for violations
Payment: On The Spot
france:
Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses
myanmar:
Possible; else must be paid at office
Payment: Deadline
france:
Varies; typically 45 days to pay
myanmar:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay