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Driving in Myanmar vs. Switzerland: Safety Insights

Discover the striking contrasts in road regulations and driving customs between Myanmar and Switzerland. From lane markings and speed limits to traffic signals and penalties, this comparison highlights crucial distinctions that impact road safety. Whether you're navigating urban streets or rural highways, understanding these variations is essential for a secure driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
myanmar:
Marks the edge on divided roads.
switzerland:
Used for temporary road changes or construction zones.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
myanmar:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
switzerland:
Used in temporary traffic management.
Overtaking: On Left
myanmar:
No, overtaking is on the right.
switzerland:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
myanmar:
Allowed as this is the side of overtaking.
switzerland:
Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
myanmar:
Use leftmost lane.
switzerland:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
myanmar:
Usually reserved for buses, some allow taxis.
switzerland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
myanmar:
Labeled appropriately; road signs indicate usage.
switzerland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
myanmar:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
myanmar:
Cyclists usually share the road with vehicles.
switzerland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
myanmar:
N/A
switzerland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
myanmar:
No
switzerland:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
myanmar:
N/A
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
myanmar:
Not used in Myanmar
switzerland:
Prepare to go
Traffic Signs: Language
myanmar:
Burmese; symbols are standard
switzerland:
Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used
Traffic Signs: Warning
myanmar:
Triangular or rectangular with red or yellow backgrounds
switzerland:
Triangular-shaped with a red border

Turns

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

Documentation

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

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
myanmar:
Moderate use, more common in cities
switzerland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
myanmar:
Move to the side and stop if necessary
switzerland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
myanmar:
0.07%
switzerland:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
myanmar:
0.03%
switzerland:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
myanmar:
Less common; often during festivals
switzerland:
Common; police conduct random breath tests
Enforcement: Fines
myanmar:
Varies by severity; can be substantial
switzerland:
Substantial; fines can be based on income
Test Refusal
myanmar:
Can lead to arrest and fines
switzerland:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
myanmar:
199
switzerland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
myanmar:
Contact local police
switzerland:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
myanmar:
Available through some insurance providers
switzerland:
140
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
myanmar:
Recommended
switzerland:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
myanmar:
Recommended
switzerland:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
myanmar:
Varies; small fines for minor overshoots
switzerland:
Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
myanmar:
Fine enforced; mandatory use
switzerland:
CHF 60
Common Fines: Phone Use
myanmar:
Fines for usage while driving
switzerland:
CHF 100
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
myanmar:
Fines applied for violations
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines
Payment: On The Spot
myanmar:
Possible; else must be paid at office
switzerland:
Common; fines can be issued on the spot
Payment: Deadline
myanmar:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
switzerland:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay