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Ghana vs India: Essential Driving Differences Explained

Driving in Ghana and India presents unique challenges and regulations that every traveler should be aware of. While Ghana follows right-hand traffic rules, India operates on the left. Notable distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol consumption limits, all crucial for ensuring safety and compliance on the roads. Understanding these variations can significantly enhance your driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
ghana:
Right
india:
Left
Overtaking: On Left
ghana:
Yes
india:
No
Overtaking: On Right
ghana:
Generally not advised.
india:
Yes, but only when safe.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
ghana:
Use rightmost lane.
india:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
india:
Yes, in some metropolitan areas
Bus Lanes: Usage
ghana:
N/A
india:
Reserved for buses; usage time restrictions may apply.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ghana:
N/A
india:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
india:
Yes, in some areas
Cycle Lanes: Usage
ghana:
N/A
india:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ghana:
N/A
india:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ghana:
N/A
india:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ghana:
N/A
india:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
ghana:
50 km/h
india:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
ghana:
50 km/h
india:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ghana:
80 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
ghana:
80 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ghana:
80 km/h
india:
60-70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ghana:
100 km/h
india:
80-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
ghana:
100 km/h
india:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ghana:
100 km/h
india:
60-80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ghana:
N/A
india:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
ghana:
Yes
india:
Yes, in major cities and highways
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ghana:
Yes
india:
Yes, commonly used

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ghana:
Not used in Ghana
india:
Not used in India
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ghana:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
india:
Unnecessary and excessive use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Hand Signals: Common Usage
ghana:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
india:
More common due to varied vehicle conditions
Traffic Signs: Language
ghana:
English
india:
English and local languages; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
ghana:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
india:
Prohibited unless otherwise stated by a sign
Left Turn: General
ghana:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
india:
Permitted; always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
U- Turns Allowed
ghana:
Prohibited unless indicated
india:
Allowed in designated areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ghana:
Mandatory
india:
Mandatory; proof required with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ghana:
Displayed on vehicle
india:
PUC sticker displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ghana:
Mandatory
india:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Limited
ghana:
Only in emergency situations
india:
Discouraged, but common due to heavy traffic and mixed vehicle conditions
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ghana:
Frequent use compared to some countries
india:
Frequent use compared to other countries
Pedestrians Priority
ghana:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
india:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked and zebra crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ghana:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
india:
Move to the side and allow emergency vehicles to pass

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
ghana:
0.08%
india:
0.03%
Limits: Professional Drivers
ghana:
0.05%
india:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
ghana:
Yes, used occasionally
india:
Common in cities; checkpoints are regularly used
Enforcement: Fines
ghana:
Substantial
india:
Varies by state; fines can be substantial
Test Refusal
ghana:
Can result in license suspension
india:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
ghana:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
india:
Signal if turning upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
ghana:
Signal right when preparing to exit
india:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
ghana:
191
india:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ghana:
18555
india:
Varies by state; local helpline numbers may apply
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ghana:
Check with your insurance provider
india:
Commonly through insurance providers or automotive associations
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ghana:
Mandatory
india:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
india:
Varies; ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ghana:
Moderate fines
india:
₹500 to ₹1,000, points in some states
Common Fines: Phone Use
ghana:
Fines apply for holding and using a phone
india:
₹1,000 to ₹5,000, points in some states
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
india:
₹500 to ₹2,000, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
ghana:
Common
india:
Common; fines often paid at the time of the offense
Payment: Deadline
ghana:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
india:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay