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Driving in Paraguay vs. Samoa: Key Differences Uncovered

When comparing the roads of Paraguay and Samoa, notable distinctions arise in their driving practices and regulations. Paraguayans drive on the right, while Samoans adhere to the left. Speed limits, lane usage, and alcohol tolerance further highlight how each nation approaches vehicular safety. Understanding these variations is crucial for a secure journey abroad.

Lanes

Driving Side
paraguay:
Right
samoa:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
paraguay:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
samoa:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
paraguay:
Yes
samoa:
No
Overtaking: On Right
paraguay:
Rarely, usually prohibited.
samoa:
Yes
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
paraguay:
Use rightmost lane.
samoa:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
paraguay:
Yes, mainly in urban areas.
samoa:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
paraguay:
Reserved for buses.
samoa:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
paraguay:
Labeled with 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'.
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
paraguay:
Limited, mainly in urban areas.
samoa:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
paraguay:
Exclusive for bicycles.
samoa:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
paraguay:
Bicycle symbols; may not always be separated by color.
samoa:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
paraguay:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
paraguay:
N/A
samoa:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
paraguay:
40 km/h
samoa:
25-40 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
paraguay:
30 km/h
samoa:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
paraguay:
80 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
paraguay:
80 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
paraguay:
60-80 km/h
samoa:
55-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
paraguay:
110 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Buses And Vans
paraguay:
90-100 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
paraguay:
80-90 km/h
samoa:
Not applicable
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
paraguay:
N/A
samoa:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
paraguay:
Yes, in major cities.
samoa:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
paraguay:
Common
samoa:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
paraguay:
Not used in Paraguay
samoa:
Not used in Samoa
Traffic Signs: Language
paraguay:
Spanish; standard symbols used as well
samoa:
English and Samoan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
paraguay:
Triangle-shaped with yellow background
samoa:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
paraguay:
Varies; usually not permitted unless indicated.
samoa:
Not allowed
U- Turns Allowed
paraguay:
Allowed where not prohibited by signs
samoa:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
paraguay:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
samoa:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
paraguay:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
samoa:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
paraguay:
Required periodically; proof may be checked during stops
samoa:
Annual inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
paraguay:
Displayed on vehicle windshield
samoa:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
paraguay:
Mandatory
samoa:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
paraguay:
More frequent than in some countries
samoa:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
paraguay:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings
samoa:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
paraguay:
Pull over to allow passage
samoa:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
paraguay:
0.05%
samoa:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
paraguay:
0.00%
samoa:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
paraguay:
0.00%
samoa:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
paraguay:
Common; police checkpoints
samoa:
Common

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
paraguay:
Signal right when preparing to exit
samoa:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
paraguay:
911
samoa:
685-22-222
Contact: Roadside Assistance
paraguay:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
samoa:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
paraguay:
Mandatory
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
paraguay:
Recommended
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
paraguay:
Varies; can be substantial, worse in urban areas
samoa:
Varies; ST$50 to ST$500, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
paraguay:
Fines apply; amount varies
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$200
Common Fines: Phone Use
paraguay:
Fines apply; amount varies
samoa:
ST$50 to ST$300
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
paraguay:
Substantial fines and penalties
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$500, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
paraguay:
Possible; fines can be paid directly to police
samoa:
Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards
Payment: Deadline
paraguay:
Varies; usually within 30 days
samoa:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay