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Driving in Switzerland vs Tonga: Key Differences Explained

When exploring the roads of Switzerland and Tonga, drivers encounter significant variations in regulations and practices. From lane usage and speed restrictions to traffic signals and alcohol limits, understanding these distinctions is essential for ensuring a secure journey. This comparison sheds light on how these two countries prioritize road safety and driver etiquette in unique ways.

Lanes

Driving Side
switzerland:
Right
tonga:
Left
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
switzerland:
Used for temporary road changes or construction zones.
tonga:
Often used to separate traffic directions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
switzerland:
Used in temporary traffic management.
tonga:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
switzerland:
Not typically allowed, except in certain slow-moving traffic situations.
tonga:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
switzerland:
Use rightmost lane.
tonga:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
switzerland:
Yes
tonga:
No
Bus Lanes: Usage
switzerland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
tonga:
N/A
Bus Lanes: Markings
switzerland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Presence
switzerland:
Yes
tonga:
No
Cycle Lanes: Usage
switzerland:
Exclusive for bicycles.
tonga:
N/A
Cycle Lanes: Markings
switzerland:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
tonga:
N/A
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
switzerland:
N/A
tonga:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
switzerland:
Yes
tonga:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
switzerland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
tonga:
N/A

Speeds Limits

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

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
switzerland:
Prepare to go
tonga:
Not commonly used in Tonga
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
switzerland:
Signal when exiting
tonga:
Use indicators appropriately
Traffic Signs: Language
switzerland:
Symbols are standard, French, German, Italian and Rumantsch languages are used
tonga:
English and Tongan; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
switzerland:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
tonga:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
switzerland:
Prohibited unless a specific sign allows it
tonga:
Prohibited
U- Turns Allowed
switzerland:
Allowed unless prohibited by sign
tonga:
Varies by location; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
switzerland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for non-French/German/Italian speaking licenses
tonga:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
switzerland:
Vehicle inspection is required regularly; proof must be available
tonga:
Required; proof may be required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
switzerland:
Proof of inspection is kept in the vehicle
tonga:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
switzerland:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
switzerland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
tonga:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
switzerland:
0.05%
tonga:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
switzerland:
0.05%
tonga:
0.04%
Limits: Underage Drivers
switzerland:
0.00%
tonga:
Zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
switzerland:
Common; police conduct random breath tests
tonga:
Common at specific times or checkpoints
Enforcement: Fines
switzerland:
Substantial; fines can be based on income
tonga:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
switzerland:
Can result in license suspension and fines
tonga:
Can result in license suspension

Roundabouts

Signaling: Entering
switzerland:
No signaling normally required when entering
tonga:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
Signaling: Exiting
switzerland:
Signal right when preparing to exit
tonga:
Signal left when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
switzerland:
Use for the first exit or straight
tonga:
Use for first exit or straight

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
switzerland:
112
tonga:
911
Contact: Traffic Police
switzerland:
117
tonga:
Contact local police
Contact: Roadside Assistance
switzerland:
140
tonga:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
switzerland:
Mandatory
tonga:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
switzerland:
Varies; CHF 40 to CHF 400+, can lead to license suspension
tonga:
Varies; spot fines by discretion of traffic police
Common Fines: Seat Belts
switzerland:
CHF 60
tonga:
Mandatory; fines for non-compliance
Common Fines: Phone Use
switzerland:
CHF 100
tonga:
Fines for handheld phone use while driving
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
switzerland:
Varies; substantial fines
tonga:
Fines apply
Payment: On The Spot
switzerland:
Common; fines can be issued on the spot
tonga:
Common; fines usually paid immediately
Payment: Deadline
switzerland:
Varies; typically a few weeks to pay
tonga:
Immediate payment preferred