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Driving in Indonesia vs Vietnam: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the roads of Indonesia and Vietnam, travelers must navigate distinct regulations and practices. Key distinctions include driving on the left in Indonesia versus the right in Vietnam, as well as varying speed limits and horn usage norms. Understanding these contrasts can significantly enhance road safety and ensure a smoother journey in either country.

Lanes

Driving Side
indonesia:
Left
vietnam:
Right
Overtaking: On Left
indonesia:
No
vietnam:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
indonesia:
Yes
vietnam:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
indonesia:
Use leftmost lane.
vietnam:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
indonesia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes specific vehicles.
vietnam:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
indonesia:
Labeled with specific signage.
vietnam:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
indonesia:
Limited
vietnam:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
indonesia:
Primarily in major cities, exclusive for bicycles.
vietnam:
Exclusive for bicycles.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
indonesia:
N/A
vietnam:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
indonesia:
N/A
vietnam:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Residential Zones
indonesia:
30 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
indonesia:
80 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
indonesia:
50-80 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
indonesia:
60-80 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
indonesia:
100 km/h
vietnam:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
indonesia:
80 km/h
vietnam:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
indonesia:
80 km/h
vietnam:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
indonesia:
N/A
vietnam:
N/A

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
indonesia:
Not used in Indonesia
vietnam:
Not used in Vietnam
Horn Usage: Allowed
indonesia:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
vietnam:
Commonly used in urban areas
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
indonesia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
vietnam:
Limited restriction
Horn Usage: Penalties
indonesia:
Fines may apply for misuse
vietnam:
Fines in some areas for excessive use
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
indonesia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
vietnam:
Discouraged for signaling other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
indonesia:
Indonesian; symbols are standard
vietnam:
Vietnamese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
indonesia:
Triangle-shaped with red border
vietnam:
Triangle-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
indonesia:
Forbidden unless a sign permits it
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
indonesia:
Normally permitted unless prohibited by signs
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
indonesia:
International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
indonesia:
International Driving Permit required
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
indonesia:
Yes, periodic checks required
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
indonesia:
Evidence of inspection may be displayed
vietnam:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
indonesia:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
indonesia:
Not mandatory but recommended
vietnam:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
indonesia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
vietnam:
Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
indonesia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
vietnam:
Expected in congested traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
indonesia:
Only in emergency situations
vietnam:
Common but limited by law in cities
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
indonesia:
Frequent use in traffic
vietnam:
Frequent use compared to Western countries
Pedestrians Priority
indonesia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
vietnam:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
indonesia:
Give way and make room
vietnam:
Pull over and stop, if possible

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
indonesia:
0.05%
vietnam:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
indonesia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Fines
indonesia:
Varies by region; can be substantial
vietnam:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
indonesia:
112 or 110
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
indonesia:
Check local emergency numbers
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
indonesia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
indonesia:
Mandatory in case of breakdown
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
indonesia:
Recommended for safety
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
indonesia:
Varies; subject to local laws
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
indonesia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
indonesia:
Subject to local laws, fines apply
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
indonesia:
Fines apply for using a handheld phone while driving
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
indonesia:
Fines apply, enforced rigorously
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
indonesia:
Common; fines can often be paid directly or through banks
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
indonesia:
Varies; typically within 14 to 30 days
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days