Driving in Portugal vs. Vietnam: Key Differences Explained
Exploring the nuances of road regulations, Portugal and Vietnam present contrasting driving environments. Key distinctions include overtaking rules, speed limits, and horn usage. While Portugal maintains strict lane protocols and speed regulations, Vietnam embraces a more flexible approach. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure and informed travel experience in both nations.
Driving Side
The driving side in portugal is the Right Side of the road
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in portugal is 79
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.
Lanes
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overtaking: On Right | Prohibited. | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | N/A |
Speeds Limits
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 40 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 60-80 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 50-70 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 40-60 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 km/h | 100-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 80-100 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | Yes | No | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | N/A | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Possible | Common |
Signals
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Portugal | Not used in Vietnam | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Commonly used in urban areas | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Limited restriction | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines in some areas for excessive use | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Discouraged for signaling other messages | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Portuguese; symbols are standard | Vietnamese; symbols are standard | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular-shaped with white background and red border | Triangle-shaped with a red border |
Turns
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Prohibited unless granted by a sign | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed at intersections unless signs prohibit | Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs |
Documentation
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; no additional permit required | An International Driving Permit is recommended | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short visits | An International Driving Permit is recommended | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Periodic inspections required; proof may be required | Mandatory annual vehicle inspection | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory |
Road Etiquette
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement | |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Expected in congested traffic | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Common but limited by law in cities | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Frequent use compared to Western countries | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary | Pull over and stop, if possible |
Exploring the nuances of road regulations, Portugal and Vietnam present contrasting driving environments. Key distinctions include overtaking rules, speed limits, and horn usage. While Portugal maintains strict lane protocols and speed regulations, Vietnam embraces a more flexible approach. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure and informed travel experience in both nations.
Alcohol
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.02% | 0.03% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | 0.02%; strict enforcement | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, especially during holidays | Common |
Emergency Services
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 113 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local authorities | 113 | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or ACP | Check with insurance provider | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Penalties And Fines
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| Portugal | Vietnam | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; €60 to €2,500, points on license | Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000 | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Heavy fines and possible jail time | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | €120 to €600 | VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000 | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | €240 to €1,200 | VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000 | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | €120 to €600 | VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000 | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible | Common for minor fines | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 days to pay | Typically around 10-15 days |