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Driving Differences: Ghana vs. Saudi Arabia Explained

When exploring the roads of Ghana and Saudi Arabia, understanding their distinct driving regulations is crucial for ensuring safe travels. Key variances include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol restrictions, with Ghana allowing right turns on red and Saudi Arabia enforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Navigate your journey with confidence by knowing these essential contrasts.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Right
ghana:
Generally not advised.
saudi arabia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
saudi arabia:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ghana:
N/A
saudi arabia:
Minimum two or three occupants

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
ghana:
50 km/h
saudi arabia:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
ghana:
50 km/h
saudi arabia:
30-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ghana:
80 km/h
saudi arabia:
100-120 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
ghana:
80 km/h
saudi arabia:
100-120 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ghana:
80 km/h
saudi arabia:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ghana:
100 km/h
saudi arabia:
120-140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
ghana:
100 km/h
saudi arabia:
120 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ghana:
Yes
saudi arabia:
Rare; fines are usually mailed or sent via SMS

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ghana:
Not used in Ghana
saudi arabia:
Not used in Saudi Arabia
Traffic Signs: Language
ghana:
English
saudi arabia:
Arabic; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
ghana:
Triangular with red border
saudi arabia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
ghana:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
saudi arabia:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
ghana:
Prohibited unless indicated
saudi arabia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ghana:
Mandatory
saudi arabia:
Mandatory periodic inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ghana:
Displayed on vehicle
saudi arabia:
Displayed on the vehicle after successful inspection
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ghana:
Not mandatory
saudi arabia:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ghana:
Frequent use compared to some countries
saudi arabia:
Frequent use for communication on the road

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
ghana:
0.08%
saudi arabia:
0.00%
Limits: Professional Drivers
ghana:
0.05%
saudi arabia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
ghana:
Yes, used occasionally
saudi arabia:
Common, random checkpoints are used
Enforcement: Fines
ghana:
Substantial
saudi arabia:
Substantial; possible imprisonment
Enforcement: Imprisonment
ghana:
Possible for severe offenses
saudi arabia:
Frequent for offenses
Test Refusal
ghana:
Can result in license suspension
saudi arabia:
Can result in immediate license suspension and further penalties

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
ghana:
191
saudi arabia:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
ghana:
18555
saudi arabia:
993
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ghana:
Check with your insurance provider
saudi arabia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ghana:
Not mandatory, but recommended
saudi arabia:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
saudi arabia:
Varies; SAR 300 to SAR 3,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
ghana:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
saudi arabia:
Substantial fines, imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ghana:
Moderate fines
saudi arabia:
Fines imposed
Common Fines: Phone Use
ghana:
Fines apply for holding and using a phone
saudi arabia:
Fines imposed, typically SAR 500
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
saudi arabia:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
ghana:
Common
saudi arabia:
Not typical; usually paid online or via bank transfer