Roadsenses Logotype

Driving in Ghana vs. Poland: Key Differences Explained

When navigating the roads of Ghana versus Poland, drivers encounter notable contrasts in regulations and practices. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and the presence of dedicated bus and cycle lanes. Understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring a safe and compliant journey in each nation.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ghana:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
ghana:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
ghana:
Generally not advised.
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Bus Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
poland:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
ghana:
N/A
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ghana:
N/A
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
poland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
ghana:
N/A
poland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ghana:
N/A
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ghana:
N/A
poland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ghana:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ghana:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
ghana:
50 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ghana:
80 km/h
poland:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ghana:
80 km/h
poland:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ghana:
100 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ghana:
100 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ghana:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ghana:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ghana:
Yes
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
ghana:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ghana:
Not used in Ghana
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
ghana:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
ghana:
Signal when exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
ghana:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ghana:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
ghana:
Fines may apply for misuse
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
ghana:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
ghana:
Not to be used to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
ghana:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
ghana:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
ghana:
English
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
ghana:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
ghana:
Triangular with red border
poland:
Triangular with red border.

Turns

Right Turn On Red
ghana:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
ghana:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
ghana:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
ghana:
Prohibited unless indicated
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
ghana:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
ghana:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
ghana:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
ghana:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ghana:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ghana:
Displayed on vehicle
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ghana:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ghana:
Not mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
ghana:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
ghana:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
ghana:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
ghana:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
ghana:
Only in emergency situations
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ghana:
Frequent use compared to some countries
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
ghana:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ghana:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
ghana:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
ghana:
0.08%
poland:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
ghana:
0.05%
poland:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
ghana:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
ghana:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
ghana:
Yes, used occasionally
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
ghana:
Substantial
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
ghana:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
ghana:
Can result in license suspension
poland:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
ghana:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
ghana:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
ghana:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
ghana:
Signal right when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
ghana:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
ghana:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
ghana:
191
poland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ghana:
18555
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ghana:
Check with your insurance provider
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ghana:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ghana:
Not mandatory, but recommended
poland:
Mandatory.

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
ghana:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ghana:
Moderate fines
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
ghana:
Fines apply for holding and using a phone
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
ghana:
Common
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
ghana:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
ghana:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
ghana:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.