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Driving Differences: Panama vs. Philippines Explained

When traversing the roads of Panama and the Philippines, understanding their distinctive driving regulations is crucial for ensuring your well-being. From lane usage and speed limits to alcohol consumption guidelines, these countries exhibit notable contrasts. Whether you're navigating urban streets or rural highways, this comparison highlights essential nuances to promote safe travels abroad.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Right
panama:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
philippines:
Generally not allowed, except on one-way streets.
Bus Lanes: Usage
panama:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
philippines:
Reserved for buses and sometimes PUVs.
Bus Lanes: Markings
panama:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
philippines:
Labeled with signs; often separated by a bus lane barrier.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
panama:
Yes, in some urban areas
philippines:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
panama:
Exclusive for bicycles.
philippines:
Shared with motorcycles or exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
panama:
Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers.
philippines:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
panama:
No
philippines:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
panama:
N/A
philippines:
Minimum two occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
panama:
N/A
philippines:
Not commonly used

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
panama:
40-60 km/h
philippines:
40 kph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
panama:
25-30 km/h
philippines:
20 kph
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
panama:
80-100 km/h
philippines:
80 kph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
panama:
80-100 km/h
philippines:
70 kph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
panama:
70-80 km/h
philippines:
50 kph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
panama:
100-120 km/h
philippines:
100 kph
Highways: Buses And Vans
panama:
80-100 km/h
philippines:
80 kph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
panama:
70-90 km/h
philippines:
80 kph
Speed Units
panama:
km/h
philippines:
kph
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
panama:
N/A
philippines:
Not commonly used
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
panama:
Common
philippines:
Less common; fines are usually issued later

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
panama:
Not used in Panama
philippines:
Not used
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
panama:
Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas
philippines:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
panama:
Spanish; symbols are standard
philippines:
English and Filipino; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
panama:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
philippines:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
panama:
Generally not allowed
philippines:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
panama:
Varies by location; check for signs
philippines:
Common, check for signs indicating restrictions

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
panama:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays
philippines:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
panama:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays
philippines:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Insurance
panama:
Liability insurance mandatory
philippines:
Compulsory third-party liability insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
panama:
Mandatory every two years for new cars
philippines:
Required for registration; certificate must be displayed
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
panama:
Recommended
philippines:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
panama:
Frequent use, especially in urban areas
philippines:
Frequent use in urban areas to alert other road users

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
panama:
0.08%
philippines:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
panama:
0.04%
philippines:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
panama:
0.00% (zero tolerance)
philippines:
0.05%
Enforcement: Random Checks
panama:
Common, especially during weekends
philippines:
Common during checkpoints, especially on holidays
Enforcement: Fines
panama:
Varies; can be substantial
philippines:
Severe for violations, may include imprisonment

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
panama:
104
philippines:
117
Contact: Roadside Assistance
panama:
Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama
philippines:
Check with your insurance provider or AAA
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
panama:
Recommended
philippines:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
panama:
Varies; $50 to $150, points on license
philippines:
Varies; typically ranges from PHP 1000 to PHP 2000
Common Fines: Seat Belts
panama:
$25 to $75
philippines:
PHP 300
Common Fines: Phone Use
panama:
Varies; fines and points on license
philippines:
PHP 1000 to PHP 5000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
panama:
$50 to $150, points on license
philippines:
PHP 1000
Payment: On The Spot
panama:
Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations
philippines:
Less common; typically done through authorized payment centers
Payment: Deadline
panama:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
philippines:
Varies; usually within 15 days upon issuance