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Driving Differences: Iceland vs. Saudi Arabia Explained

When it comes to navigating the roads of Iceland and Saudi Arabia, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that influence their journey. From speed limits and lane usage to alcohol restrictions, understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring safety abroad. This comparison highlights the notable variations that every traveler should know before hitting the road.

Lanes

Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
iceland:
List length: 4
saudi arabia:
List length: 5
Bus Lanes: Presence
iceland:
Yes
saudi arabia:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
iceland:
Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted.
saudi arabia:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
saudi arabia:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
iceland:
Yes
saudi arabia:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
iceland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
saudi arabia:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
saudi arabia:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
iceland:
No
saudi arabia:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
iceland:
N/A
saudi arabia:
Minimum two or three occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
saudi arabia:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
iceland:
50 km/h
saudi arabia:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
iceland:
30 km/h
saudi arabia:
30-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
80 km/h on gravel roads
saudi arabia:
100-120 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h on paved roads
saudi arabia:
100-120 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
iceland:
80 km/h on paved roads
saudi arabia:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
90 km/h
saudi arabia:
120-140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h
saudi arabia:
120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
iceland:
80 km/h
saudi arabia:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
saudi arabia:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
iceland:
Yes
saudi arabia:
Rare; fines are usually mailed or sent via SMS

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
iceland:
N/A
saudi arabia:
Not used in Saudi Arabia
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
saudi arabia:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Penalties
iceland:
N/A
saudi arabia:
Fines may apply for misuse
Hand Signals: Common Usage
iceland:
N/A
saudi arabia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
iceland:
Icelandic; symbols are standard
saudi arabia:
Arabic; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
iceland:
Triangular with red borders
saudi arabia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
iceland:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs
saudi arabia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
saudi arabia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
saudi arabia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
iceland:
Annual inspection required
saudi arabia:
Mandatory periodic inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
iceland:
Displayed on the windshield
saudi arabia:
Displayed on the vehicle after successful inspection
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
saudi arabia:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
iceland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
saudi arabia:
Frequent use for communication on the road

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
iceland:
0.05%
saudi arabia:
0.00%
Limits: Professional Drivers
iceland:
0.02%
saudi arabia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
iceland:
0.00% - zero tolerance
saudi arabia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
iceland:
Common
saudi arabia:
Common, random checkpoints are used
Enforcement: Fines
iceland:
Substantial penalties can apply
saudi arabia:
Substantial; possible imprisonment
Enforcement: Imprisonment
iceland:
Possible for severe offenses
saudi arabia:
Frequent for offenses
Test Refusal
iceland:
Can result in license suspension and fine
saudi arabia:
Can result in immediate license suspension and further penalties

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
saudi arabia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
iceland:
Signal when preparing to exit
saudi arabia:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
iceland:
112
saudi arabia:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
iceland:
National Police number 112
saudi arabia:
993
Contact: Roadside Assistance
iceland:
Contact local towing services or insurance provider
saudi arabia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
saudi arabia:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
iceland:
Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense
saudi arabia:
Varies; SAR 300 to SAR 3,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
iceland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
saudi arabia:
Substantial fines, imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
iceland:
Mandatory; fines apply
saudi arabia:
Fines imposed
Common Fines: Phone Use
iceland:
Fines if found using without hands-free
saudi arabia:
Fines imposed, typically SAR 500
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
iceland:
Fines and points on license
saudi arabia:
Substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
iceland:
Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly
saudi arabia:
Not typical; usually paid online or via bank transfer
Payment: Deadline
iceland:
Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame
saudi arabia:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay