Driving in Jamaica vs. Taiwan: Key Differences Explained
When navigating the roads of Jamaica and Taiwan, drivers encounter distinct rules and practices that significantly influence their journey. Notably, Jamaica drives on the left, while Taiwan follows the right. Additionally, speed limits and overtaking protocols vary, underlining the importance of understanding these nuances for a secure and enjoyable driving experience abroad.
Lanes
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center of the road on two-way streets. | Marks the left edge on divided roads. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution. | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Bridge crossings | Railroad crossings |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Primarily for buses in certain urban areas | Reserved for buses; taxis and motorcycles sometimes allowed during specific times. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Marked with signs indicating bus lane | Labeled 'BUS' or '公交專用道'; often with road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left | Exclusive for bicycles and scooters. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Occasional with bicycle symbols | Bicycle and scooter symbols, often colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | Minimum two or more occupants during peak times |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
jamaica:
Left
taiwan:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
taiwan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
taiwan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
jamaica:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
taiwan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
jamaica:
Bridge crossings
taiwan:
Railroad crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
jamaica:
Use leftmost lane.
taiwan:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
taiwan:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
taiwan:
Reserved for buses; taxis and motorcycles sometimes allowed during specific times.
Bus Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
taiwan:
Labeled 'BUS' or '公交專用道'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
taiwan:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
taiwan:
Exclusive for bicycles and scooters.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
taiwan:
Bicycle and scooter symbols, often colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
No
taiwan:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
jamaica:
Not applicable
taiwan:
Minimum two or more occupants during peak times
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
jamaica:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-50 km/h | 40-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 50-80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 50-80 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 50-70 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-110 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common for immediate traffic violations | Yes, fines can be issued on the spot |
Urban Areas: Standard
jamaica:
30-50 km/h
taiwan:
40-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
80 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
80 km/h
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
70 km/h
taiwan:
50-70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
100 km/h
taiwan:
90-110 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
100 km/h
taiwan:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
80 km/h
taiwan:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
jamaica:
No
taiwan:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations
taiwan:
Yes, fines can be issued on the spot
Signals
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Not used in Taiwan |
| 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 | Mandarin; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Often triangular with red borders | Diamond-shaped with yellow background |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
jamaica:
Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing
taiwan:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
taiwan:
Not used in Taiwan
Horn Usage: Allowed
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
taiwan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
taiwan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
taiwan:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
taiwan:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
taiwan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
taiwan:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
taiwan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
jamaica:
English; symbols are standard
taiwan:
Mandarin; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders
taiwan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
Turns
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign |
| 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 | Generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them |
Right Turn On Red
jamaica:
Prohibited
taiwan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
Left Turn: General
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
taiwan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
taiwan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it
taiwan:
Generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them
Documentation
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit required |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | International Driving Permit required |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof via certificate | Yes, periodic inspections mandatory |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not consistently used | Displayed on license plate or windshield |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
taiwan:
Yes, periodic inspections mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
jamaica:
Not consistently used
taiwan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
taiwan:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
taiwan:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Frequent use in busy areas |
| 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
taiwan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
jamaica:
Informally regulated
taiwan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
jamaica:
Common practice
taiwan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
jamaica:
Discouraged
taiwan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
taiwan:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
taiwan:
Frequent use in busy areas
Pedestrians Priority
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
taiwan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
taiwan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights
taiwan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Alcohol
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.03% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited | 0.00%; zero tolerance |
| 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, especially during holidays |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies with severity and past offenses | Heavy fines imposed |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe breaches | Possible for severe offenses |
| Test Refusal | Can result in fines and license suspension | Can result in license suspension and fine |
Limits: General Drivers
jamaica:
0.08%
taiwan:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
taiwan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
taiwan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
taiwan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
taiwan:
Common, especially during holidays
Enforcement: Fines
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
taiwan:
Heavy fines imposed
Enforcement: Imprisonment
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
taiwan:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension
taiwan:
Can result in license suspension and fine
Roundabouts
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
taiwan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
taiwan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
taiwan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
taiwan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
taiwan:
Use for first exit or straight
Lane Usage: Left
jamaica:
Use for other exits
taiwan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 or 110 | 119 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 119 | Varies by district; inquire locally |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Depends on provider; often through insurance | Available via insurance or specialized companies |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
jamaica:
119 or 110
taiwan:
119
Contact: Traffic Police
jamaica:
119
taiwan:
Varies by district; inquire locally
Contact: Roadside Assistance
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
taiwan:
Available via insurance or specialized companies
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
taiwan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
taiwan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Jamaica | Taiwan | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit | Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment | Steep fines, possible license suspension |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance | NT$1,500, points in some cases |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply | NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Subject to fines and points | NT$2,700, points on license |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor fines | Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately |
| Payment: Deadline | Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days | Varies; typically 30 days to pay |
| 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
taiwan:
Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
taiwan:
Steep fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
taiwan:
NT$1,500, points in some cases
Common Fines: Phone Use
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
taiwan:
NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
taiwan:
NT$2,700, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
taiwan:
Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
taiwan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
Foreign Drivers: Fines
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
taiwan:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines
taiwan:
Possible if fines are not paid