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Driving Differences: Panama vs. Singapore Explained

Exploring the diverse traffic regulations and road practices in Panama and Singapore reveals intriguing contrasts. While Panama drives on the right with flexible overtaking rules, Singapore's left-side driving and strict lane usage mandates enhance road safety. This comparison highlights significant factors, such as speed limits, documentation requirements, and pedestrian rights, essential for travelers navigating these unique environments.

Lanes

Driving Side
panama:
Right
singapore:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
panama:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
singapore:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
Overtaking: On Right
panama:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
singapore:
Not allowed.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
panama:
Use rightmost lane.
singapore:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
panama:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
singapore:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
panama:
Yes, in some urban areas
singapore:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Markings
panama:
Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers.
singapore:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
panama:
N/A
singapore:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
panama:
No
singapore:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
panama:
N/A
singapore:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
panama:
40-60 km/h
singapore:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
panama:
25-30 km/h
singapore:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
panama:
80-100 km/h
singapore:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
panama:
80-100 km/h
singapore:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
panama:
70-80 km/h
singapore:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
panama:
100-120 km/h
singapore:
80-90 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
panama:
80-100 km/h
singapore:
80-90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
panama:
70-90 km/h
singapore:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
panama:
No
singapore:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
panama:
N/A
singapore:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
panama:
Common
singapore:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
panama:
Not used in Panama
singapore:
Not used in Singapore
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
panama:
Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas
singapore:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
panama:
Spanish; symbols are standard
singapore:
English; symbols are standard

Turns

Right Turn On Red
panama:
Generally not allowed
singapore:
Not allowed.
U- Turns Allowed
panama:
Varies by location; check for signs
singapore:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
panama:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays
singapore:
International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
panama:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays
singapore:
International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
panama:
Mandatory every two years for new cars
singapore:
Compulsory every 1-2 years depending on vehicle age
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
panama:
Displayed on windshield
singapore:
Display not required
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
panama:
Mandatory
singapore:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
panama:
Recommended
singapore:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
panama:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
singapore:
To warn of hazards or a vehicle breakdown
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
panama:
Frequent use, especially in urban areas
singapore:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
panama:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
singapore:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks and pedestrian zones
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
panama:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
singapore:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
panama:
0.08%
singapore:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
panama:
0.04%
singapore:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
panama:
0.00% (zero tolerance)
singapore:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
panama:
Common, especially during weekends
singapore:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
panama:
Varies; can be substantial
singapore:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
panama:
911
singapore:
995
Contact: Traffic Police
panama:
104
singapore:
999
Contact: Roadside Assistance
panama:
Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama
singapore:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Singapore
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
panama:
Mandatory
singapore:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
panama:
Recommended
singapore:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
panama:
Varies; $50 to $150, points on license
singapore:
Varies; significant fines, demerit points
Common Fines: Seat Belts
panama:
$25 to $75
singapore:
$120, demerit points for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
panama:
Varies; fines and points on license
singapore:
$200 to $1,000, demerit points for hand-held use
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
panama:
$50 to $150, points on license
singapore:
$200 to $500, demerit points
Payment: On The Spot
panama:
Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations
singapore:
Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by other means
Payment: Deadline
panama:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
singapore:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay