Driving Differences: Indonesia vs. Poland Explained
When exploring the roads of Indonesia and Poland, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that ensure safety. Notably, Indonesia drives on the left while Poland adheres to the right. Additionally, while both countries emphasize the importance of adhering to speed limits, Poland's stricter enforcement and variable speed limits set it apart. Understanding these nuances is essential for a secure travel experience.
Lanes
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads. | Used for temporary markings, such as during road works. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes | Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads. |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes specific vehicles. | Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with specific signage. | Labeled 'BUS' on the road. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Primarily in major cities, exclusive for bicycles. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
indonesia:
Left
poland:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
indonesia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
indonesia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
indonesia:
No
poland:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
indonesia:
Yes
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
indonesia:
Use leftmost lane.
poland:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
indonesia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes specific vehicles.
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
indonesia:
Labeled with specific signage.
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
indonesia:
Limited
poland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
indonesia:
Primarily in major cities, exclusive for bicycles.
poland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
indonesia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
indonesia:
N/A
poland:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
indonesia:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
indonesia:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 20 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 50-80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 140 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation. |
Urban Areas: Standard
indonesia:
40-60 km/h
poland:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
indonesia:
30 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
indonesia:
80 km/h
poland:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
indonesia:
50-80 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
indonesia:
60-80 km/h
poland:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
indonesia:
100 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
indonesia:
80 km/h
poland:
100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
indonesia:
No
poland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
indonesia:
N/A
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
indonesia:
Common
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
Signals
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Indonesia | Signals a change to green is imminent. |
| Use Of Indicators: Mandatory | Yes, for all turns and lane changes | Yes, for all turns and lane changes. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Indonesian; symbols are standard | Polish; symbols are standard. |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle-shaped with red border | Triangular with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
indonesia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
indonesia:
Not used in Indonesia
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
indonesia:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
indonesia:
Signal when exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
indonesia:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
indonesia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
indonesia:
Fines may apply for misuse
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
indonesia:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
indonesia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
indonesia:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
indonesia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
indonesia:
Indonesian; symbols are standard
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
indonesia:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
indonesia:
Triangle-shaped with red border
poland:
Triangular with red border.
Turns
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Forbidden unless a sign permits it | Allowed only if a green arrow is present. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Normally permitted unless prohibited by signs | Varies by location; check for signs. |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
indonesia:
Forbidden unless a sign permits it
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
indonesia:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
indonesia:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
indonesia:
Normally permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
indonesia:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
indonesia:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required | Accepted with International Driving Permit. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, periodic checks required | Mandatory every year. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Evidence of inspection may be displayed | Displayed on windshield. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory but recommended | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
indonesia:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
indonesia:
International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
indonesia:
International Driving Permit required
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
indonesia:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
indonesia:
Yes, periodic checks required
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
indonesia:
Evidence of inspection may be displayed
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
indonesia:
Mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
indonesia:
Not mandatory but recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in traffic | Less frequent use compared to some countries. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Give way and make room | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
indonesia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
indonesia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
indonesia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
indonesia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
indonesia:
Only in emergency situations
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
indonesia:
Frequent use in traffic
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
indonesia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
indonesia:
Give way and make room
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
indonesia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.00% |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common | Common; checkpoints used frequently. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by region; can be substantial | Varies; can be substantial. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
indonesia:
0.05%
poland:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
indonesia:
0.05%
poland:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
indonesia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
poland:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
indonesia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
indonesia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
indonesia:
Common
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
indonesia:
Varies by region; can be substantial
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
indonesia:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
indonesia:
Can result in license suspension
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
indonesia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
indonesia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
indonesia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
indonesia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
indonesia:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
indonesia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 or 110 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Check local emergency numbers | 997 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | 981 or through your insurance provider. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory in case of breakdown | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended for safety | Mandatory. |
Contact: General Emergency
indonesia:
112 or 110
poland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
indonesia:
Check local emergency numbers
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
indonesia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
indonesia:
Mandatory in case of breakdown
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
indonesia:
Recommended for safety
poland:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
| Indonesia | Poland | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; subject to local laws | Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Subject to local laws, fines apply | Mandatory, fines apply. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply for using a handheld phone while driving | Fines apply for use without hands-free device. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines apply, enforced rigorously | Fines and license points apply. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; fines can often be paid directly or through banks | Rare; usually paid online or by mail. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within 14 to 30 days | Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay. |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
indonesia:
Varies; subject to local laws
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
indonesia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
indonesia:
Subject to local laws, fines apply
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
indonesia:
Fines apply for using a handheld phone while driving
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
indonesia:
Fines apply, enforced rigorously
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
indonesia:
Common; fines can often be paid directly or through banks
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
indonesia:
Varies; typically within 14 to 30 days
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
indonesia:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
indonesia:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.