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Driving in Kazakhstan vs. Switzerland: Key Differences

As travelers explore the roads of Kazakhstan and Switzerland, understanding the essential contrasts in driving regulations is crucial for ensuring a secure journey. From lane markings to speed limits, these two nations present striking variations, including strict alcohol limits and unique signage practices. Prepare for a safer driving experience by familiarizing yourself with these vital distinctions.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
kazakhstan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
switzerland:
Used for temporary road changes or construction zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
kazakhstan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
switzerland:
Used in temporary traffic management.
Overtaking: On Right
kazakhstan:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
switzerland:
Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations.
Bus Lanes: Usage
kazakhstan:
Reserved for buses.
switzerland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
kazakhstan:
Labeled with specific signs and road markings.
switzerland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
kazakhstan:
Varies by region
switzerland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
kazakhstan:
Exclusive for bicycles where present.
switzerland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
kazakhstan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
switzerland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
kazakhstan:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kazakhstan:
N/A
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
kazakhstan:
40-60 km/h
switzerland:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
kazakhstan:
20 km/h
switzerland:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
kazakhstan:
80-90 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
kazakhstan:
70-80 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
kazakhstan:
70-80 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
kazakhstan:
110 km/h
switzerland:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
kazakhstan:
90 km/h
switzerland:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
kazakhstan:
90 km/h
switzerland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
kazakhstan:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kazakhstan:
N/A
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
kazakhstan:
Yes
switzerland:
Yes, drivers can be fined on the spot.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
kazakhstan:
Not used in Kazakhstan
switzerland:
Prepare to go
Traffic Signs: Language
kazakhstan:
Kazakh and Russian; symbols are standard
switzerland:
Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used
Traffic Signs: Warning
kazakhstan:
Triangular with red border
switzerland:
Triangular-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
kazakhstan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
switzerland:
Prohibited unless a specific sign allows it
U- Turns Allowed
kazakhstan:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
switzerland:
Allowed unless prohibited by sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
kazakhstan:
Accepted; International Driving Permit may be recommended
switzerland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-French/German/Italian speaking licenses
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
kazakhstan:
Accepted; International Driving Permit may be recommended
switzerland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
kazakhstan:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
switzerland:
Vehicle inspection is required regularly; proof must be available
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
kazakhstan:
Displayed on windshield
switzerland:
Proof of inspection is kept in the vehicle
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
kazakhstan:
Recommended
switzerland:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
kazakhstan:
Moderate use
switzerland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
kazakhstan:
0.00%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
kazakhstan:
0.00%
switzerland:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
kazakhstan:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
switzerland:
Common; police conduct random breath tests
Enforcement: Fines
kazakhstan:
Varies; can be substantial
switzerland:
Substantial; fines can be based on income
Test Refusal
kazakhstan:
Can result in license suspension
switzerland:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
kazakhstan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
switzerland:
No signaling normally required when entering
Lane Usage: Right
kazakhstan:
Use for first exit or straight
switzerland:
Use for the first exit or straight

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
kazakhstan:
Call 102
switzerland:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
kazakhstan:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
switzerland:
140
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
kazakhstan:
Recommended
switzerland:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
kazakhstan:
Varies; can be up to several hundred USD equivalent
switzerland:
Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension
Common Fines: Alcohol
kazakhstan:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
kazakhstan:
Fines apply for non-use
switzerland:
CHF 60
Common Fines: Phone Use
kazakhstan:
Fines apply for handheld use while driving
switzerland:
CHF 100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
kazakhstan:
Substantial fines
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
kazakhstan:
Possible; fines can also be paid online or via banks
switzerland:
Common; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
kazakhstan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
switzerland:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay