Driving in France vs. Panama: Key Safety Differences
Driving in France and Panama presents unique challenges and regulations that every traveler should know. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and alcohol limits, which greatly affect road safety. Familiarizing yourself with these contrasts can enhance your experience and ensure a secure journey in both countries.
Driving Side
The driving side in france is the Right Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in france is 86
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for france is 1.829 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used; used for temporary markings during roadworks. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Used for temporary markings during roadworks; passing permitted when safe. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed only in specific conditions, such as heavy traffic; not generally recommended. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes cyclists. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Yes, in some urban areas | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | N/A |
Speeds Limits
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 25-30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 130 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | N/A | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Not common; fines are usually mailed after citation | Common |
Signals
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in France | Not used in Panama | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged especially at night; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | French; symbols are standard | Spanish; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with red border | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Turns
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Generally not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed if not specifically prohibited by signs | Varies by location; check for signs |
Documentation
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, an MOT style test is required periodically | Mandatory every two years for new cars | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory in vehicle | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory in vehicle | Recommended |
Road Etiquette
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Reserved mainly for use in emergencies | Frequent use, especially in urban areas | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
Driving in France and Panama presents unique challenges and regulations that every traveler should know. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and alcohol limits, which greatly affect road safety. Familiarizing yourself with these contrasts can enhance your experience and ensure a secure journey in both countries.
Alcohol
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | 0.00% (zero tolerance) | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints used regularly | Common, especially during weekends | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | Varies; can be substantial |
Roundabouts
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Entering | Signal when entering if turning right | Signal if turning immediately upon entry |
Emergency Services
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 17 or through local police | 104 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or assistance service | Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| France | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically €68 to €3750, license points | Varies; $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time, and license confiscation | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | €135 | $25 to $75 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | €135 | Varies; fines and points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | €135 | $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines can be paid directly to police for minor offenses | Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 45 days to pay | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |