Driving Differences: Hong Kong vs. Panama Explained
When navigating the roads of Hong Kong and Panama, drivers encounter distinct rules and customs that underscore the importance of road safety. Key contrasts include driving on the left in Hong Kong versus the right in Panama, and varying speed limits and overtaking practices. Understanding these nuances ensures a secure driving experience abroad.
Driving Side
The driving side in hong-kong is the Left Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in hong-kong is 100
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for hong-kong is 3.408 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.
Lanes
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Prohibited; left is the normal driving lane | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, overtaking should be done on the right. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes | Yes, in some urban areas | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces. | Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers. |
Speeds Limits
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-50 km/h | 25-30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70-100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-100 km/h | 70-80 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | No; fines are usually sent by mail | Common |
Signals
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Used when lights are about to turn green | Not used in Panama | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Chinese and English; symbols are standard | Spanish; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Turns
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Generally not allowed | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless prohibited by sign | Varies by location; check for signs |
Documentation
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Required annually | Mandatory every two years for new cars | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use, especially in urban areas | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
When navigating the roads of Hong Kong and Panama, drivers encounter distinct rules and customs that underscore the importance of road safety. Key contrasts include driving on the left in Hong Kong versus the right in Panama, and varying speed limits and overtaking practices. Understanding these nuances ensures a secure driving experience abroad.
Alcohol
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.00% (zero tolerance) | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, checkpoints used frequently | Common, especially during weekends | |
| Enforcement: Fines | HK$5,000 or more for first offenses | Varies; can be substantial |
Roundabouts
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
Emergency Services
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 999 | 911 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies; usually contact through 999 | 104 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA | Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Hong kong | Panama | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license | Varies; $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | HK$5,000, potential imprisonment | $25 to $75 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | HK$2,000, points on license | Varies; fines and points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | HK$900, points on license | $50 to $150, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail | Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 30 days to pay | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |