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Driving in Poland vs. Tonga: Key Differences Explained

When venturing into the driving landscapes of Poland and Tonga, understanding their unique traffic regulations is essential for a secure experience. Notably, Poland drives on the right, while Tonga favors the left. With distinct speed limits, road markings, and enforcement practices, travelers must stay informed to navigate these diverse roadways safely.

Lanes

Driving Side
poland:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
tonga:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
tonga:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
poland:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
poland:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
poland:
Yes
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
poland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
poland:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
poland:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
poland:
50 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
poland:
20 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
poland:
90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
poland:
80 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
poland:
70 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
poland:
140 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
poland:
100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
poland:
80 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
poland:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
poland:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
tonga:
Prohibited
Left Turn: General
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
tonga:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
Left Turn: At Intersections
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
tonga:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
U- Turns Allowed
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs
Special Turn Lanes
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
tonga:
Yes, marked with arrows
Overtaking While Turning
poland:
Prohibited.
tonga:
Prohibited

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
tonga:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Insurance
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
tonga:
Liability insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
poland:
Mandatory every year.
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
tonga:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
poland:
Mandatory.
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
poland:
Mandatory.
tonga:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
poland:
0.02%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
poland:
0.00%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
poland:
0.00%
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
tonga:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
tonga:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial
Enforcement: Imprisonment
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
tonga:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
tonga:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

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

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
poland:
112
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
poland:
997
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
poland:
Mandatory.
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
poland:
Mandatory.
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Alcohol
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
tonga:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred
Foreign Drivers: Fines
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
tonga:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.
tonga:
Possible if fines are not paid