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Driving Differences: Samoa vs. South Korea

When navigating the roads of Samoa and South Korea, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that impact their travel experience. Key contrasts include the side of the road they drive on—left in Samoa and right in South Korea—as well as varied speed limits and traffic lane designs. Understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey in either country.

Lanes

Driving Side
samoa:
Left
south korea:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
samoa:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads.
south korea:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed.
Overtaking: On Left
samoa:
No
south korea:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
samoa:
Yes
south korea:
Allowed on multi-lane roads
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
samoa:
Use leftmost lane.
south korea:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
samoa:
No
south korea:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
samoa:
N/A
south korea:
Reserved for buses during specified hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
samoa:
N/A
south korea:
Often marked with blue lines, labeled 'BUS'.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
samoa:
No
south korea:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
samoa:
N/A
south korea:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
samoa:
N/A
south korea:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
samoa:
No
south korea:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
samoa:
N/A
south korea:
Minimum two or more occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
samoa:
N/A
south korea:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
samoa:
25-40 km/h
south korea:
60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
samoa:
20 km/h
south korea:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
samoa:
55-80 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
samoa:
55-80 km/h
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
samoa:
55-80 km/h
south korea:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
samoa:
Not applicable
south korea:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
samoa:
Not applicable
south korea:
100-110 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
samoa:
Not applicable
south korea:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
samoa:
N/A
south korea:
N/A

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
samoa:
Not used in Samoa
south korea:
Not used in South Korea
Traffic Signs: Language
samoa:
English and Samoan; symbols are standard
south korea:
Korean; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
samoa:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
south korea:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or orange background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
samoa:
Not allowed
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
samoa:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
south korea:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
samoa:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
samoa:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
south korea:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
samoa:
Annual inspection required
south korea:
Mandatory; proof must be displayed
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
samoa:
Not mandatory
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
samoa:
Not mandatory
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
samoa:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
south korea:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
samoa:
0.08%
south korea:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
samoa:
0.02%
south korea:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
samoa:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
south korea:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
samoa:
Common
south korea:
Common; sobriety checkpoints frequently used
Test Refusal
samoa:
Can result in license suspension
south korea:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
samoa:
Signal left when preparing to exit
south korea:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
samoa:
911
south korea:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
samoa:
685-22-222
south korea:
Varies; often part of the general emergency network
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south korea:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
south korea:
Recommended but not mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
samoa:
Varies; ST$50 to ST$500, points on license
south korea:
Varies; fines and license points given
Common Fines: Seat Belts
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$200
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Phone Use
samoa:
ST$50 to ST$300
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$500, points on license
south korea:
Fines and license points given
Payment: On The Spot
samoa:
Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards
south korea:
Yes