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Driving in Spain vs. Tonga: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Spain and Tonga, distinct variations in traffic regulations and practices become apparent. From driving on opposite sides to varying speed limits and road markings, understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Discover essential insights to enhance your driving experience in these two unique destinations.

Lanes

Driving Side
spain:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
spain:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Overtaking: On Right
spain:
Prohibited unless on a one-way street.
tonga:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
spain:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
spain:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
spain:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
spain:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
spain:
Yes
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
spain:
Exclusive for bicycles.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
spain:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
spain:
Yes
tonga:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
spain:
Minimum two or three occupants
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
spain:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits.
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
spain:
50 km/h
tonga:
40-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
spain:
20-30 km/h
tonga:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
spain:
90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
spain:
80-90 km/h
tonga:
70-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
spain:
120 km/h
tonga:
No specific highways with designated higher speed limits
Highways: Buses And Vans
spain:
100 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
spain:
90 km/h
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
spain:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits
tonga:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
spain:
Yes
tonga:
No widespread use
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
spain:
Yes, commonly used
tonga:
Common; paid directly to traffic officers

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
spain:
Not used in Spain
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
spain:
Signal when exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Traffic Signs: Language
spain:
Spanish; symbols are standard
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
spain:
Triangular with white background and red border
tonga:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
spain:
Prohibited unless a sign indicates otherwise
tonga:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
spain:
Generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs.
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
spain:
Accepted; must carry license.
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
spain:
International Driving Permit recommended in conjunction with national license.
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
spain:
Yes, periodic inspections required.
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
spain:
Displayed on windshield in some areas.
tonga:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
spain:
Mandatory.
tonga:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
spain:
Mandatory.
tonga:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
spain:
Used more frequently in urgent situations
tonga:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
spain:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
tonga:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
spain:
0.05%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
spain:
0.03%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
spain:
0.00%; zero tolerance
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
spain:
Common; checkpoints frequently used
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
spain:
Severe penalties, including high fines
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
spain:
Can result in heavy fines and license suspension
tonga:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
spain:
Signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
spain:
112
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
spain:
Check with local authorities
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
spain:
Contact your insurance provider or RACE
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
spain:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
spain:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
spain:
Varies; typically €100 to €600, points on license
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Alcohol
spain:
Severe fines and potential imprisonment
tonga:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
spain:
€200, mandatory use
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
spain:
€200, points on license
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
spain:
€200, points on license
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
spain:
Yes; discount if paid promptly.
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
spain:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred