Driving in Jamaica vs. Monaco: Key Differences Uncovered
Understanding the driving customs in Jamaica and Monaco unveils fascinating contrasts essential for ensuring road safety while traveling. Jamaica's left-side driving and unique lane regulations differ significantly from Monaco's right-side norms and stricter overtaking rules. This comparison highlights crucial aspects such as speed limits, signaling practices, and penalties, empowering travelers to navigate with confidence.
LEFT
Driving Side
The driving side in jamaica is the Left Side of the road
48
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in jamaica is 48
1.22 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for jamaica is 1.22 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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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center of the road on two-way streets. | Not commonly used in Monaco. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution. | Not commonly used in Monaco. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear | Allowed if traffic conditions permit. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Bridge crossings | Railroad crossings | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | Limited, mostly on main roads | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Primarily for buses in certain urban areas | Predominantly for buses. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Marked with signs indicating bus lane | Labeled ‘BUS’. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left | Shared with small vehicles or buses. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Occasional with bicycle symbols | Bicycle symbols or shared lane markings. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings | Standard speed limits apply |
Driving Side
jamaica:
Left
monaco:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
monaco:
Not commonly used in Monaco.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
monaco:
Not commonly used in Monaco.
Overtaking: On Left
jamaica:
No
monaco:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
monaco:
Allowed if traffic conditions permit.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
jamaica:
Bridge crossings
monaco:
Railroad crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
jamaica:
Use leftmost lane.
monaco:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
monaco:
Limited, mostly on main roads
Bus Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
monaco:
Predominantly for buses.
Bus Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
monaco:
Labeled ‘BUS’.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
monaco:
Shared with small vehicles or buses.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
monaco:
Bicycle symbols or shared lane markings.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
jamaica:
Not applicable
monaco:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings
monaco:
Standard speed limits apply
Speeds Limits
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-50 km/h | 50 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | N/A | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | N/A | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | N/A | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | N/A | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | N/A | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs | Standard speed limits apply | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common for immediate traffic violations | Common for traffic violations |
Urban Areas: Standard
jamaica:
30-50 km/h
monaco:
50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
80 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
80 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
70 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
100 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Highways: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
100 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
80 km/h
monaco:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
monaco:
Standard speed limits apply
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations
monaco:
Common for traffic violations
Signals
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. | |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Jamaica | Rare in Monaco, usually not used | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Typically allowed in situations to avert danger | Only in cases to avoid accidents | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Discouraged near hospitals and schools | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Rarely enforced | Fines may apply for misuse | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To signal intentions, often a warning | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not widely restricted | Not to be used to signal other messages | |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, especially if indicator lights fail | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | French; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Often triangular with red borders | Triangle-shaped with red border |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
jamaica:
Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing
monaco:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
monaco:
Rare in Monaco, usually not used
Horn Usage: Allowed
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
monaco:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
monaco:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
monaco:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
monaco:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
monaco:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
monaco:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
monaco:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
jamaica:
English; symbols are standard
monaco:
French; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders
monaco:
Triangle-shaped with red border
Turns
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless signs prohibit it | Permitted where indicated; check for signs |
Left Turn: General
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
monaco:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
monaco:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it
monaco:
Permitted where indicated; check for signs
Documentation
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted with International Driving Permit | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof via certificate | Required annually; proof may be required | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not consistently used | Displayed on the vehicle windshield | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
monaco:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
monaco:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
monaco:
Required annually; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
jamaica:
Not consistently used
monaco:
Displayed on the vehicle windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
monaco:
Mandatory
Road Etiquette
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To signal intentions or warnings | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Informally regulated | Discouraged, fines may apply | |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged | Discouraged and may be penalized | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Encouraged only to avert danger | Only in emergency situations | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate use; more common than in some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over and stop if safe | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Sirens and flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights |
Flashing Lights: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions or warnings
monaco:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
jamaica:
Informally regulated
monaco:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
jamaica:
Common practice
monaco:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
jamaica:
Discouraged
monaco:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
monaco:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
monaco:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
monaco:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
monaco:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights
monaco:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Understanding the driving customs in Jamaica and Monaco unveils fascinating contrasts essential for ensuring road safety while traveling. Jamaica's left-side driving and unique lane regulations differ significantly from Monaco's right-side norms and stricter overtaking rules. This comparison highlights crucial aspects such as speed limits, signaling practices, and penalties, empowering travelers to navigate with confidence.
Alcohol
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.05% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited | 0.00% | |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check for impairment warnings | Check if medication affects driving ability | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Occasionally conducted | Common; checkpoints used frequently | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies with severity and past offenses | Can be substantial; varies by severity | |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe breaches | Possible for severe offenses | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in fines and license suspension | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
jamaica:
0.08%
monaco:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
jamaica:
0.03%
monaco:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
monaco:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
monaco:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
monaco:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
monaco:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
monaco:
Can be substantial; varies by severity
Enforcement: Imprisonment
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
monaco:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension
monaco:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | |
| Priority: Inside | Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if taking an immediate exit | Signal if turning immediately upon entry | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for immediate or second exit | Use for first exit or straight | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for other exits | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Priority: Entering
jamaica:
Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority
monaco:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
monaco:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
monaco:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
monaco:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
monaco:
Use for first exit or straight
Lane Usage: Left
jamaica:
Use for other exits
monaco:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 or 110 | 112 or 18 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 119 | Local police also available on 911 using GSM | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Depends on provider; often through insurance | Available through service providers or insurance | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory |
Contact: General Emergency
jamaica:
119 or 110
monaco:
112 or 18
Contact: Traffic Police
jamaica:
119
monaco:
Local police also available on 911 using GSM
Contact: Roadside Assistance
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
monaco:
Available through service providers or insurance
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
monaco:
Mandatory
Penalties And Fines
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| Jamaica | Monaco | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit | Varies; fines are substantial | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance | Fine applies if not used | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply | Substantial fines issued | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Subject to fines and points | High fines, points on license | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor fines | Possible; varies | |
| Payment: Deadline | Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days | Varies; typically must be settled soon | |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Must be paid promptly to avoid complications | Same as residents; must be paid | |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible for unresolved fines | Possible if fines are not paid |
Common Fines: Speeding
jamaica:
Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit
monaco:
Varies; fines are substantial
Common Fines: Alcohol
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
monaco:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
monaco:
Fine applies if not used
Common Fines: Phone Use
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
monaco:
Substantial fines issued
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
monaco:
High fines, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
monaco:
Possible; varies
Payment: Deadline
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
monaco:
Varies; typically must be settled soon
Foreign Drivers: Fines
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
monaco:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines
monaco:
Possible if fines are not paid