Jamaica vs Tanzania: Navigating Driving Differences
When exploring the roads of Jamaica and Tanzania, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that shape their journey. Key distinctions include lane markings, speed limits, and emergency protocols. Familiarizing oneself with these variations is essential for ensuring a secure and smooth experience while navigating these vibrant countries.
Lanes
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center of the road on two-way streets. | Marks the right 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 Right | Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear | Yes |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Bridge crossings | Railroad crossings |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Primarily for buses in certain urban areas | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Marked with signs indicating bus lane | Labeled 'BUS' or 'DART'; 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. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Occasional with bicycle symbols | Bicycle symbols and dedicated lanes. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings | N/A |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
tanzania:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
tanzania:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
tanzania:
Yes
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
jamaica:
Bridge crossings
tanzania:
Railroad crossings
Bus Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
tanzania:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
tanzania:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
tanzania:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'DART'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
tanzania:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
tanzania:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
tanzania:
Bicycle symbols and dedicated lanes.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
jamaica:
Not applicable
tanzania:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings
tanzania:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-50 km/h | 50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs | N/A |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common for immediate traffic violations | Yes |
Urban Areas: Standard
jamaica:
30-50 km/h
tanzania:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
jamaica:
30 km/h
tanzania:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
70 km/h
tanzania:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
100 km/h
tanzania:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
tanzania:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations
tanzania:
Yes
Signals
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tanzania |
| 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 | English and Swahili; 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
tanzania:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
tanzania:
Not used in Tanzania
Horn Usage: Allowed
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
tanzania:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
tanzania:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
tanzania:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
tanzania:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
tanzania:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
tanzania:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
tanzania:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
jamaica:
English; symbols are standard
tanzania:
English and Swahili; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders
tanzania:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
Turns
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Not allowed |
| 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 | Allowed unless prohibited by signs |
Right Turn On Red
jamaica:
Prohibited
tanzania:
Not allowed
Left Turn: General
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
tanzania:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
tanzania:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it
tanzania:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
Documentation
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted with International Driving Permit | Accepted for short visits with an International Driving Permit |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | Accepted for short visits with an International Driving Permit |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof via certificate | Required annually |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not consistently used | Displayed on windshield |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
tanzania:
Accepted for short visits with an International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
tanzania:
Accepted for short visits with an International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
tanzania:
Required annually
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
jamaica:
Not consistently used
tanzania:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
tanzania:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
tanzania:
Mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Moderate usage 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 left 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
tanzania:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
jamaica:
Informally regulated
tanzania:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
jamaica:
Common practice
tanzania:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
jamaica:
Discouraged
tanzania:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
tanzania:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
tanzania:
Moderate usage compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
tanzania:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
tanzania:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights
tanzania:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Alcohol
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 0.05% |
| 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 |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies with severity and past offenses | Significant fines apply |
| 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: Professional Drivers
jamaica:
0.03%
tanzania:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
tanzania:
0.00%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
tanzania:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
tanzania:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
tanzania:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
tanzania:
Significant fines apply
Enforcement: Imprisonment
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
tanzania:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension
tanzania:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
tanzania:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
tanzania:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
tanzania:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
tanzania:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
tanzania:
Use for first exit or straight
Lane Usage: Left
jamaica:
Use for other exits
tanzania:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 or 110 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 119 | 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Depends on provider; often through insurance | Check with your insurance provider |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Mandatory |
Contact: General Emergency
jamaica:
119 or 110
tanzania:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
jamaica:
119
tanzania:
112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
tanzania:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
tanzania:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
tanzania:
Mandatory
Penalties And Fines
| Jamaica | Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit | Varies; penalties can be severe |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment | Substantial fines, possible jail time |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance | Fines apply |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply | Fines apply |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Subject to fines and points | Penalties enforced |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor fines | Common |
| 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
tanzania:
Varies; penalties can be severe
Common Fines: Alcohol
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
tanzania:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
tanzania:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
tanzania:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
tanzania:
Penalties enforced
Payment: On The Spot
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
tanzania:
Common
Payment: Deadline
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
tanzania:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
Foreign Drivers: Fines
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
tanzania:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines
tanzania:
Possible if fines are not paid