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Driving Differences: Taiwan vs. Vietnam Explained

When navigating the roads of Taiwan and Vietnam, drivers encounter distinct regulations that influence their journey. Key contrasts include lane usage, speed limits, and alcohol tolerance levels. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure driving experience in each country. Discover how these differences can impact your travels and safety abroad.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Usage
taiwan:
Reserved for buses; taxis and motorcycles sometimes allowed during specific times.
vietnam:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
taiwan:
Labeled 'BUS' or '公交專用道'; often with road signs.
vietnam:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
taiwan:
Exclusive for bicycles and scooters.
vietnam:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
taiwan:
Bicycle and scooter symbols, often colored pavement.
vietnam:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
taiwan:
Yes
vietnam:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
taiwan:
Minimum two or more occupants during peak times
vietnam:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
taiwan:
Yes
vietnam:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits.
vietnam:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
taiwan:
40-50 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
taiwan:
30 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
taiwan:
50-80 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
taiwan:
50-70 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
taiwan:
90-110 km/h
vietnam:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
taiwan:
80-90 km/h
vietnam:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
taiwan:
Yes
vietnam:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
taiwan:
Electronic signs display current limits
vietnam:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
taiwan:
Yes, fines can be issued on the spot
vietnam:
Common

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
taiwan:
Not used in Taiwan
vietnam:
Not used in Vietnam
Horn Usage: Allowed
taiwan:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
vietnam:
Commonly used in urban areas
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
taiwan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
vietnam:
Limited restriction
Horn Usage: Penalties
taiwan:
Fines may apply for misuse
vietnam:
Fines in some areas for excessive use
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
taiwan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
vietnam:
Discouraged for signaling other messages
Traffic Signs: Language
taiwan:
Mandarin; symbols are standard
vietnam:
Vietnamese; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
taiwan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
vietnam:
Triangle-shaped with a red border

Turns

Right Turn On Red
taiwan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
taiwan:
Generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
taiwan:
International Driving Permit required
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
taiwan:
Yes, periodic inspections mandatory
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
taiwan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
vietnam:
Displayed on the windshield

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
taiwan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
vietnam:
Common in heavy traffic to signal freedom of movement
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
taiwan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
vietnam:
Expected in congested traffic
Use Of Horn: Limited
taiwan:
Only in emergency situations
vietnam:
Common but limited by law in cities
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
taiwan:
Frequent use in busy areas
vietnam:
Frequent use compared to Western countries
Pedestrians Priority
taiwan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
vietnam:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
taiwan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
vietnam:
Pull over and stop, if possible

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
taiwan:
0.03%
vietnam:
0.05%
Limits: Underage Drivers
taiwan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Random Checks
taiwan:
Common, especially during holidays
vietnam:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
taiwan:
Heavy fines imposed
vietnam:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
taiwan:
Can result in license suspension and fine
vietnam:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
taiwan:
119
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
taiwan:
Varies by district; inquire locally
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
taiwan:
Available via insurance or specialized companies
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
taiwan:
Varies; NT$1,600 to NT$6,000, points on license
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
taiwan:
Steep fines, possible license suspension
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
taiwan:
NT$1,500, points in some cases
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
taiwan:
NT$1,500 to NT$3,000, points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
taiwan:
NT$2,700, points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
taiwan:
Possible; fines can sometimes be paid immediately
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
taiwan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days