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Driving Differences: Iceland vs. Madagascar Explained

Navigating the roads of Iceland and Madagascar presents unique challenges and regulations. This comparison highlights critical distinctions in lanes, speed limits, and road etiquette, shedding light on how driving practices vary between these two diverse nations. Whether it's the bus lanes of Reykjavik or the bustling streets of Antananarivo, understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a secure journey abroad.

RIGHT

Driving Side

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

93

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in iceland is 93

2.229 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for iceland is 2.229 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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Markings: Solid Yellow Line
iceland:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
madagascar:
Typically not used.
Overtaking: On Right
iceland:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
madagascar:
Not recommended; local conditions may vary.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
iceland:
List length: 4
madagascar:
List length: 5
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
iceland:
Use rightmost lane.
madagascar:
Stay to the right lane when possible.
Bus Lanes: Presence
iceland:
Yes
madagascar:
Available mainly in urban areas
Bus Lanes: Usage
iceland:
Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted.
madagascar:
Reserved mostly for buses.
Bus Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
madagascar:
May be marked clearly in major cities.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
iceland:
Yes
madagascar:
Sparse
Cycle Lanes: Usage
iceland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
madagascar:
Shared with vehicles unless marked.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
madagascar:
N/A
Lane Change: Signal Mandatory
iceland:
Yes
madagascar:
Yes, when possible.
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
madagascar:
Speed limits are fixed.
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Speeds Limits

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Urban Areas: Residential Zones
iceland:
30 km/h
madagascar:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
80 km/h on gravel roads
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h on paved roads
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
iceland:
80 km/h on paved roads
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
90 km/h
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
iceland:
80 km/h
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
madagascar:
Not applicable
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
iceland:
Yes
madagascar:
Yes, particularly in urban areas.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
iceland:
Yes
madagascar:
Yes, common.
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
iceland:
N/A
madagascar:
Not commonly used
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
madagascar:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
iceland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
madagascar:
Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
iceland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
madagascar:
Excessive use discouraged
Horn Usage: Penalties
iceland:
N/A
madagascar:
May apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
iceland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
madagascar:
To warn other drivers or signal overtaking
Hand Signals: Common Usage
iceland:
N/A
madagascar:
Occasionally used, especially in rural areas
Traffic Signs: Language
iceland:
Icelandic; symbols are standard
madagascar:
French and Malagasy
Traffic Signs: Warning
iceland:
Triangular with red borders
madagascar:
Triangular signs with red borders
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
iceland:
Not allowed
madagascar:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
iceland:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs
madagascar:
Prohibited unless specified otherwise
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Documentation

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Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
iceland:
Annual inspection required
madagascar:
Mandatory for all vehicles
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
iceland:
Displayed on the windshield
madagascar:
Indication may vary
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
madagascar:
Recommended
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Road Etiquette

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Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
iceland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
madagascar:
Common practice, particularly in heavy traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
iceland:
Only in emergency situations
madagascar:
Use is more frequent in urban areas
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
iceland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
madagascar:
Significantly used for communication with other drivers
Pedestrians Priority
iceland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
madagascar:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
iceland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
madagascar:
Pull over to the side if necessary

Navigating the roads of Iceland and Madagascar presents unique challenges and regulations. This comparison highlights critical distinctions in lanes, speed limits, and road etiquette, shedding light on how driving practices vary between these two diverse nations. Whether it's the bus lanes of Reykjavik or the bustling streets of Antananarivo, understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a secure journey abroad.

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Alcohol

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Limits: General Drivers
iceland:
0.05%
madagascar:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
iceland:
0.02%
madagascar:
0.08%
Limits: Underage Drivers
iceland:
0.00% - zero tolerance
madagascar:
0.02%
Enforcement: Random Checks
iceland:
Common
madagascar:
Common in urban areas
Enforcement: Fines
iceland:
Substantial penalties can apply
madagascar:
Can be substantial
Test Refusal
iceland:
Can result in license suspension and fine
madagascar:
Results in penalties
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Roundabouts

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Signaling: Entering
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
madagascar:
Not commonly practiced
Signaling: Exiting
iceland:
Signal when preparing to exit
madagascar:
Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit
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Emergency Services

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Contact: General Emergency
iceland:
112
madagascar:
117
Contact: Traffic Police
iceland:
National Police number 112
madagascar:
Could vary; commonly police contact
Contact: Roadside Assistance
iceland:
Contact local towing services or insurance provider
madagascar:
Varies by provider, public services might be limited
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
madagascar:
Recommended
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
iceland:
Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense
madagascar:
Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines
Common Fines: Alcohol
iceland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
madagascar:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels
Common Fines: Seat Belts
iceland:
Mandatory; fines apply
madagascar:
Fines applicable for non-use
Common Fines: Phone Use
iceland:
Fines if found using without hands-free
madagascar:
Fines applicable for use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
iceland:
Fines and points on license
madagascar:
Monetary fines applied
Payment: On The Spot
iceland:
Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly
madagascar:
Common for minor offenses
Payment: Deadline
iceland:
Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame
madagascar:
Determined by issuing authority