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Driving in Ghana vs. Tanzania: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Ghana and Tanzania, understanding the distinct driving regulations and customs is crucial for safety and compliance. Key differences include driving on opposite sides of the road, varying speed limits, and the presence of dedicated bus and cycle lanes in Tanzania. Familiarizing yourself with these contrasts can enhance your driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
ghana:
Right
tanzania:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ghana:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
tanzania:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Left
ghana:
Yes
tanzania:
No
Overtaking: On Right
ghana:
Generally not advised.
tanzania:
Yes
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
ghana:
Use rightmost lane.
tanzania:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
tanzania:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
ghana:
N/A
tanzania:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ghana:
N/A
tanzania:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'DART'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
tanzania:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
ghana:
N/A
tanzania:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ghana:
N/A
tanzania:
Bicycle symbols and dedicated lanes.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ghana:
N/A
tanzania:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ghana:
N/A
tanzania:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
ghana:
50 km/h
tanzania:
30-50 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
ghana:
100 km/h
tanzania:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ghana:
100 km/h
tanzania:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ghana:
N/A
tanzania:
N/A

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ghana:
Not used in Ghana
tanzania:
Not used in Tanzania
Traffic Signs: Language
ghana:
English
tanzania:
English and Swahili; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
ghana:
Triangular with red border
tanzania:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

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

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
tanzania:
Accepted for short visits with an International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
tanzania:
Accepted for short visits with an International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ghana:
Mandatory
tanzania:
Required annually
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ghana:
Displayed on vehicle
tanzania:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ghana:
Not mandatory
tanzania:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ghana:
Frequent use compared to some countries
tanzania:
Moderate usage compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ghana:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
tanzania:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Enforcement: Random Checks
ghana:
Yes, used occasionally
tanzania:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
ghana:
Substantial
tanzania:
Significant fines apply

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
ghana:
191
tanzania:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ghana:
18555
tanzania:
112
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ghana:
Not mandatory, but recommended
tanzania:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
tanzania:
Varies; penalties can be severe
Common Fines: Alcohol
ghana:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
tanzania:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ghana:
Moderate fines
tanzania:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
ghana:
Fines apply for holding and using a phone
tanzania:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
tanzania:
Penalties enforced