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Driving in Poland vs. South Africa: Key Differences

When traveling to Poland or South Africa, understanding their distinct road rules is crucial for ensuring a safe journey. Key contrasts include driving on opposite sides, speed limits, and lane usage regulations. Familiarizing yourself with these essential driving norms will enhance your overall experience while navigating the roads of these two diverse nations.

Lanes

Driving Side
poland:
Right
south africa:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
south africa:
Marks the right edge on roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
south africa:
Used to demarcate lanes on certain roads.
Overtaking: On Left
poland:
Yes
south africa:
Allowed
Overtaking: On Right
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
south africa:
Prohibited unless turning.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
poland:
Use rightmost lane.
south africa:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
south africa:
Reserved for buses; marked with road signs and lane markings.
Bus Lanes: Markings
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
south africa:
May include the word 'BUS' and specific coloring.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
south africa:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
poland:
Yes
south africa:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
south africa:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
poland:
50 km/h
south africa:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
poland:
20 km/h
south africa:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
poland:
90 km/h
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
poland:
80 km/h
south africa:
100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
poland:
70 km/h
south africa:
80-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
poland:
140 km/h
south africa:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
poland:
100 km/h
south africa:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
poland:
80 km/h
south africa:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
poland:
Yes
south africa:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
south africa:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
south africa:
Yes, common in South Africa

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
south africa:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
south africa:
Not used in South Africa
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
south africa:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
poland:
Signal when exiting.
south africa:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Allowed
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
south africa:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
south africa:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
south africa:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
south africa:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
south africa:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
south africa:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
south africa:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
south africa:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Priority
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
south africa:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
Traffic Signs: Warning
poland:
Triangular with red border.
south africa:
Triangular shape with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
south africa:
Not allowed
Left Turn: General
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
south africa:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
south africa:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
south africa:
Allowed at designated places; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
south africa:
Yes, marked with arrows
Overtaking While Turning
poland:
Prohibited.
south africa:
Prohibited

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
south africa:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
Insurance
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
south africa:
Liability insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
poland:
Mandatory every year.
south africa:
Required when transferring ownership or relicensing a vehicle
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
south africa:
Not applicable
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
poland:
Mandatory.
south africa:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
poland:
Mandatory.
south africa:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
south africa:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
south africa:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
south africa:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
south africa:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
south africa:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
south africa:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
south africa:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
south africa:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
south africa:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
poland:
0.02%
south africa:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
poland:
0.00%
south africa:
0.02%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
south africa:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
south africa:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
south africa:
Common; roadblocks are used frequently
Enforcement: Fines
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
south africa:
Substantial; varies based on offense
Enforcement: Imprisonment
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
south africa:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
south africa:
Can result in license suspension and additional fines

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
south africa:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
south africa:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
south africa:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
south africa:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
south africa:
Use for first exit or straight
Lane Usage: Left
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
south africa:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
poland:
112
south africa:
112 or 10111
Contact: Traffic Police
poland:
997
south africa:
Call general emergency number
Contact: Roadside Assistance
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
south africa:
Check with your insurance provider or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA)
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
poland:
Mandatory.
south africa:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
poland:
Mandatory.
south africa:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines depending on excess speed
Common Fines: Alcohol
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
south africa:
Common fine; mandatory use
Common Fines: Phone Use
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
south africa:
Fines applicable, varies by local ordinance
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
south africa:
Fines applicable
Payment: On The Spot
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
south africa:
Yes, common with road checkpoints
Payment: Deadline
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
south africa:
Varies depending on violation; typically 30 days to pay
Foreign Drivers: Fines
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
south africa:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.
south africa:
Possible if fines are not paid