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Driving in Guatemala vs. New Zealand: Key Differences

When comparing the road practices of Guatemala and New Zealand, striking contrasts emerge. From driving on opposite sides of the road to varying speed limits and unique traffic regulations, understanding these distinctions is vital for safe navigation in each country. This guide highlights essential insights for travelers to ensure their journey remains secure and enjoyable.

RIGHT

Driving Side

The driving side in guatemala is the Right Side of the road

63

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in guatemala is 63

1.087 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for guatemala is 1.087 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.

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Lanes

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Driving Side
guatemala:
Right
new zealand:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
guatemala:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
new zealand:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Right
guatemala:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
new zealand:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
guatemala:
Use rightmost lane.
new zealand:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
guatemala:
No
new zealand:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
guatemala:
N/A
new zealand:
Reserved for buses during certain hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
guatemala:
N/A
new zealand:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
guatemala:
Limited
new zealand:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
guatemala:
Shared with vehicles in some areas.
new zealand:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
guatemala:
Varies by location.
new zealand:
Bicycle symbols and green pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
guatemala:
N/A
new zealand:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
guatemala:
No
new zealand:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
guatemala:
N/A
new zealand:
Electronic signs display current limits.
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Speeds Limits

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Urban Areas: Standard
guatemala:
40-60 km/h
new zealand:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
guatemala:
30 km/h
new zealand:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
guatemala:
80 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
guatemala:
70 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
guatemala:
70 km/h
new zealand:
90 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
guatemala:
90 km/h
new zealand:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
guatemala:
80 km/h
new zealand:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
guatemala:
No
new zealand:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
guatemala:
N/A
new zealand:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
guatemala:
Limited use
new zealand:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
guatemala:
Yes, common practice
new zealand:
No; fines are usually mailed after citation
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
guatemala:
Not used in Guatemala
new zealand:
Not used in New Zealand
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
guatemala:
Signal when exiting
new zealand:
Signal when entering and exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
guatemala:
Spanish; symbols are standard
new zealand:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
guatemala:
Triangle-shaped with red border
new zealand:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
guatemala:
Varies, check local signs for permission
new zealand:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
guatemala:
Varies by location; check for signs
new zealand:
Permitted unless prohibited by a sign
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Documentation

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Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
guatemala:
International Driving Permit recommended
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
guatemala:
International Driving Permit recommended
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
guatemala:
Mandatory; proof may be required
new zealand:
Regular inspection required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
guatemala:
Displayed on the vehicle
new zealand:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
guatemala:
Mandatory
new zealand:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
guatemala:
Mandatory
new zealand:
Not mandatory
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Road Etiquette

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Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
guatemala:
More frequent use compared to some countries
new zealand:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
guatemala:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
new zealand:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
guatemala:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
new zealand:
Move to the left and stop if necessary

When comparing the road practices of Guatemala and New Zealand, striking contrasts emerge. From driving on opposite sides of the road to varying speed limits and unique traffic regulations, understanding these distinctions is vital for safe navigation in each country. This guide highlights essential insights for travelers to ensure their journey remains secure and enjoyable.

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Alcohol

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Enforcement: Random Checks
guatemala:
Common, especially at night
new zealand:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
guatemala:
Varies by locality; can be substantial
new zealand:
Substantial fines, can vary widely
Test Refusal
guatemala:
Can result in license suspension
new zealand:
Can result in license suspension and other penalties
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Roundabouts

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Signaling: Entering
guatemala:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
new zealand:
Signal left if making an immediate left turn upon entry
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Emergency Services

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Contact: General Emergency
guatemala:
122
new zealand:
111
Contact: Traffic Police
guatemala:
110
new zealand:
111
Contact: Roadside Assistance
guatemala:
Check with your insurance provider
new zealand:
0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association)
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
guatemala:
Mandatory
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
guatemala:
Mandatory
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
guatemala:
Varies; substantial fines
new zealand:
Varies; $30 to $630, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
guatemala:
Fines imposed
new zealand:
$150, points may also apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
guatemala:
Fines imposed
new zealand:
$80 to $150, points in some circumstances
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
guatemala:
Substantial fines
new zealand:
$150, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
guatemala:
Yes, often required
new zealand:
No; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
guatemala:
Varies; check with local authorities
new zealand:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay