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Driving in Hong Kong vs. Spain: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Hong Kong and Spain, drivers encounter notable variations in regulations and practices. From driving on opposite sides of the road to distinct speed limits and traffic signals, understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring safety abroad. Equip yourself with this essential information before hitting the streets in either country.

Lanes

Driving Side
hong kong:
Left
spain:
Right
Overtaking: On Left
hong kong:
Prohibited; left is the normal driving lane
spain:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
hong kong:
Yes, overtaking should be done on the right.
spain:
Prohibited unless on a one-way street.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
hong kong:
Use leftmost lane.
spain:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
hong kong:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
spain:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
hong kong:
Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs.
spain:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
hong kong:
Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces.
spain:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
hong kong:
No
spain:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
hong kong:
N/A
spain:
Minimum two or three occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
hong kong:
No
spain:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hong kong:
N/A
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
hong kong:
30-50 km/h
spain:
20-30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
spain:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
spain:
80-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
spain:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
hong kong:
100 km/h
spain:
120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
hong kong:
80 km/h
spain:
90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
hong kong:
No
spain:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hong kong:
N/A
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
hong kong:
No; fines are usually sent by mail
spain:
Yes, commonly used

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
hong kong:
Used when lights are about to turn green
spain:
Not used in Spain
Traffic Signs: Language
hong kong:
Chinese and English; symbols are standard
spain:
Spanish; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
hong kong:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background
spain:
Triangular with white background and red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
hong kong:
Not allowed
spain:
Prohibited unless a sign indicates otherwise
U- Turns Allowed
hong kong:
Permitted unless prohibited by sign
spain:
Generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs.

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
hong kong:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
spain:
Accepted; must carry license.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
hong kong:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
spain:
International Driving Permit recommended in conjunction with national license.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
hong kong:
Required annually
spain:
Yes, periodic inspections required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
hong kong:
Displayed on the windshield
spain:
Displayed on windshield in some areas.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
hong kong:
Recommended
spain:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
hong kong:
Recommended
spain:
Mandatory.

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
hong kong:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
spain:
Used more frequently in urgent situations
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
hong kong:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
spain:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
hong kong:
0.05%
spain:
0.03%
Enforcement: Random Checks
hong kong:
Common, checkpoints used frequently
spain:
Common; checkpoints frequently used
Enforcement: Fines
hong kong:
HK$5,000 or more for first offenses
spain:
Severe penalties, including high fines
Test Refusal
hong kong:
Can result in license suspension
spain:
Can result in heavy fines and license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
hong kong:
Signal left when preparing to exit
spain:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
hong kong:
999
spain:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
hong kong:
Varies; usually contact through 999
spain:
Check with local authorities
Contact: Roadside Assistance
hong kong:
Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA
spain:
Contact your insurance provider or RACE
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
spain:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
spain:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
hong kong:
Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license
spain:
Varies; typically €100 to €600, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
hong kong:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
spain:
Severe fines and potential imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
hong kong:
HK$5,000, potential imprisonment
spain:
€200, mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
hong kong:
HK$2,000, points on license
spain:
€200, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
hong kong:
HK$900, points on license
spain:
€200, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
hong kong:
Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail
spain:
Yes; discount if paid promptly.
Payment: Deadline
hong kong:
Varies; typically 14 to 30 days to pay
spain:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay