Driving in Hong Kong vs. Taiwan: Key Differences to Know
When traversing the roads of Hong Kong and Taiwan, understanding their unique regulations is crucial for a safe journey. Notably, drivers in Hong Kong navigate on the left, while their counterparts in Taiwan adhere to the right. Additionally, speed limits and overtaking rules vary significantly, emphasizing the importance of adapting to local driving customs.
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 | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses; taxis and motorcycles sometimes allowed during specific times. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or '公交專用道'; often with road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles. | Exclusive for bicycles and scooters. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces. | Bicycle and scooter symbols, often colored pavement. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | Yes | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | Minimum two or more occupants during peak times | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Speeds Limits
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| Hong kong | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-50 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70-100 km/h | 50-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-100 km/h | 50-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-100 km/h | 50-70 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-110 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 80-90 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | No; fines are usually sent by mail | Yes, fines can be issued on the spot |
Signals
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| Hong kong | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Used when lights are about to turn green | Not used in Taiwan | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Chinese and English; symbols are standard | Mandarin; 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 | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless prohibited by sign | Generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them |
Documentation
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| Hong kong | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit required | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | International Driving Permit required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Required annually | Yes, periodic inspections mandatory | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Displayed on license plate or windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Not mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Hong kong | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use in busy areas | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary |
When traversing the roads of Hong Kong and Taiwan, understanding their unique regulations is crucial for a safe journey. Notably, drivers in Hong Kong navigate on the left, while their counterparts in Taiwan adhere to the right. Additionally, speed limits and overtaking rules vary significantly, emphasizing the importance of adapting to local driving customs.
Alcohol
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| Hong kong | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, checkpoints used frequently | Common, especially during holidays | |
| Enforcement: Fines | HK$5,000 or more for first offenses | Heavy fines imposed | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension and fine |
Roundabouts
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| Hong kong | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit |
Emergency Services
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| Hong kong | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 999 | 119 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies; usually contact through 999 | Varies by district; inquire locally | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA | Available via insurance or specialized companies |
Penalties And Fines
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| Hong kong | Taiwan | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license | Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Steep fines, possible license suspension | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | HK$5,000, potential imprisonment | NT$1,500, points in some cases | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | HK$2,000, points on license | NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | HK$900, points on license | NT$2,700, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail | Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 30 days to pay | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |