Roadsenses Logotype

Driving Differences: Panama vs. Qatar Explained

When navigating the roads of Panama and Qatar, understanding the distinct regulations is crucial for safety. Key variations include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol restrictions, with Qatar enforcing a stricter 0.00% blood alcohol content for all drivers. Discover these essential contrasts to ensure a secure driving experience in both countries.

RIGHT

Driving Side

The driving side in panama is the Right Side of the road

79

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in panama is 79

0.933 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for panama is 0.933 US Dollars

While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.

Icon for the lanes section

Lanes

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Overtaking: On Right
panama:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
qatar:
Allowed only in designated situations, like when vehicles ahead are turning left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
panama:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
qatar:
Reserved for buses and authorized vehicles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
panama:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
qatar:
Labeled with appropriate road signs or pavement markings.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
panama:
Yes, in some urban areas
qatar:
Limited
Cycle Lanes: Usage
panama:
Exclusive for bicycles.
qatar:
Shared with vehicles, as dedicated lanes are rare.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
panama:
Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers.
qatar:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
panama:
N/A
qatar:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
panama:
No
qatar:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
panama:
N/A
qatar:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Icon for the speeds limits section

Speeds Limits

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Urban Areas: Standard
panama:
40-60 km/h
qatar:
60-80 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
panama:
25-30 km/h
qatar:
60 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
panama:
80-100 km/h
qatar:
100-120 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
panama:
80-100 km/h
qatar:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
panama:
70-80 km/h
qatar:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
panama:
100-120 km/h
qatar:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
panama:
80-100 km/h
qatar:
100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
panama:
70-90 km/h
qatar:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
panama:
No
qatar:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
panama:
N/A
qatar:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
panama:
Common
qatar:
Yes
Icon for the signals section

Signals

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
panama:
Not used in Panama
qatar:
Not used in Qatar
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
panama:
Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas
qatar:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
panama:
Spanish; symbols are standard
qatar:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
Icon for the turns section

Turns

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Right Turn On Red
panama:
Generally not allowed
qatar:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
panama:
Varies by location; check for signs
qatar:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Icon for the documentation section

Documentation

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
panama:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays
qatar:
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
qatar:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
panama:
Mandatory every two years for new cars
qatar:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
panama:
Displayed on windshield
qatar:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
panama:
Mandatory
qatar:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
panama:
Recommended
qatar:
Not mandatory
Icon for the road etiquette section

Road Etiquette

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
panama:
Frequent use, especially in urban areas
qatar:
Less frequent use compared to some countries

When navigating the roads of Panama and Qatar, understanding the distinct regulations is crucial for safety. Key variations include speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol restrictions, with Qatar enforcing a stricter 0.00% blood alcohol content for all drivers. Discover these essential contrasts to ensure a secure driving experience in both countries.

Icon for the alcohol section

Alcohol

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Limits: General Drivers
panama:
0.08%
qatar:
0.00%
Limits: Professional Drivers
panama:
0.04%
qatar:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
panama:
0.00% (zero tolerance)
qatar:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
panama:
Common, especially during weekends
qatar:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
Enforcement: Fines
panama:
Varies; can be substantial
qatar:
Can be substantial; penalties are severe
Icon for the emergency services section

Emergency Services

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Contact: General Emergency
panama:
911
qatar:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
panama:
104
qatar:
999 or local authorities
Contact: Roadside Assistance
panama:
Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama
qatar:
Check with your insurance provider or contact private services
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
panama:
Mandatory
qatar:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
panama:
Recommended
qatar:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Icon for the penalties and fines section

Penalties And Fines

Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...

Common Fines: Speeding
panama:
Varies; $50 to $150, points on license
qatar:
Varies; can be substantial, point system applies
Common Fines: Alcohol
panama:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
qatar:
Severe penalties; fines and imprisonment possible
Common Fines: Seat Belts
panama:
$25 to $75
qatar:
Minimum 500 QR
Common Fines: Phone Use
panama:
Varies; fines and points on license
qatar:
Minimum 500 QR, point system applies
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
panama:
$50 to $150, points on license
qatar:
Minimum 6000 QR, point system applies
Payment: On The Spot
panama:
Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations
qatar:
Yes, or online payment options
Payment: Deadline
panama:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
qatar:
Payments should be timely to avoid additional penalties