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Driving in Portugal vs. Vanuatu: A Safety Comparison

When driving abroad, understanding the distinctions in traffic regulations is crucial for safety. This comparison between Portugal and Vanuatu reveals significant contrasts, from speed limits and lane usage to documentation requirements and penalties. While Portugal enforces strict driving laws, Vanuatu offers a more relaxed approach, making it essential for travelers to be informed.

RIGHT

Driving Side

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

79

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in portugal is 79

1.83 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for portugal is 1.83 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.

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Lanes

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Overtaking: On Right
portugal:
Prohibited.
vanuatu:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Presence
portugal:
Yes
vanuatu:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
portugal:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
vanuatu:
Not applicable in Vanuatu.
Bus Lanes: Markings
portugal:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
vanuatu:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
portugal:
Yes
vanuatu:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
portugal:
Exclusive for bicycles.
vanuatu:
Bicycles generally share the road with cars.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
portugal:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
vanuatu:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
portugal:
N/A
vanuatu:
Not applicable in Vanuatu.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
portugal:
Yes
vanuatu:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
portugal:
Electronic signs display current limits.
vanuatu:
Not commonly used in Vanuatu.
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Speeds Limits

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Urban Areas: Standard
portugal:
50 km/h
vanuatu:
30-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
portugal:
90 km/h
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
portugal:
80 km/h
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
portugal:
70 km/h
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
portugal:
120 km/h
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
portugal:
100 km/h
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
portugal:
90 km/h
vanuatu:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
portugal:
Yes
vanuatu:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
portugal:
Electronic signs display current limits
vanuatu:
Not commonly used in Vanuatu.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
portugal:
Yes
vanuatu:
Rare
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
portugal:
Possible
vanuatu:
Yes; fines can be issued directly.
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
portugal:
Not used in Portugal
vanuatu:
Not used in Vanuatu
Traffic Signs: Language
portugal:
Portuguese; symbols are standard
vanuatu:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
portugal:
Triangular-shaped with white background and red border
vanuatu:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
portugal:
Prohibited
vanuatu:
Not typically allowed
U- Turns Allowed
portugal:
Allowed at intersections unless signs prohibit
vanuatu:
Varies; check local regulations and signs
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Documentation

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Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
portugal:
Accepted; no additional permit required
vanuatu:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
portugal:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short visits
vanuatu:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Insurance
portugal:
Liability insurance mandatory
vanuatu:
Third-party insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
portugal:
Periodic inspections required; proof may be required
vanuatu:
Required; proof may be checked during traffic stops
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
portugal:
Displayed on the windshield
vanuatu:
No standard requirement
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
portugal:
Mandatory
vanuatu:
Recommended but not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
portugal:
Mandatory
vanuatu:
Not mandatory
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Road Etiquette

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Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
portugal:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
vanuatu:
Pull to the side and stop, if necessary

When driving abroad, understanding the distinctions in traffic regulations is crucial for safety. This comparison between Portugal and Vanuatu reveals significant contrasts, from speed limits and lane usage to documentation requirements and penalties. While Portugal enforces strict driving laws, Vanuatu offers a more relaxed approach, making it essential for travelers to be informed.

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Alcohol

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Limits: Underage Drivers
portugal:
0.02%
vanuatu:
0.00% - zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
portugal:
Common, especially during holidays
vanuatu:
Occasional
Enforcement: Fines
portugal:
Varies; can be substantial
vanuatu:
Fines can be substantial
Test Refusal
portugal:
Can result in license suspension
vanuatu:
Can lead to penalties including fines or arrest
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Emergency Services

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Contact: Traffic Police
portugal:
Contact local authorities
vanuatu:
112 for general assistance
Contact: Roadside Assistance
portugal:
Check with your insurance provider or ACP
vanuatu:
Check with your insurance provider or local agencies
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
portugal:
Mandatory
vanuatu:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
portugal:
Mandatory
vanuatu:
Not mandatory, but recommended
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
portugal:
Varies; €60 to €2,500, points on license
vanuatu:
Varies; can be significant
Common Fines: Seat Belts
portugal:
€120 to €600
vanuatu:
Fines apply
Common Fines: Phone Use
portugal:
€240 to €1,200
vanuatu:
Fines apply for use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
portugal:
€120 to €600
vanuatu:
Fines applicable
Payment: On The Spot
portugal:
Possible
vanuatu:
Possible; or through police stations