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Driving in Uganda vs. Vietnam: Key Safety Differences

When exploring the roads of Uganda and Vietnam, it’s essential to understand their distinct driving regulations and customs. Key differences include Uganda's left-side driving and stricter speed limits, while Vietnam allows right-side driving and varies speed limits significantly. Familiarizing yourself with these unique road practices ensures a safer journey in both nations.

Lanes

Driving Side
uganda:
Left
vietnam:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
uganda:
Marks division of opposing traffic lanes.
vietnam:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
uganda:
Used to separate lanes of opposing traffic; passing permitted when safe.
vietnam:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
uganda:
Not allowed
vietnam:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
uganda:
Use leftmost lane.
vietnam:
Use rightmost lane.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
uganda:
Limited
vietnam:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
uganda:
Primarily for bicycles where available.
vietnam:
Exclusive for bicycles.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
uganda:
N/A
vietnam:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
uganda:
Limited
vietnam:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
uganda:
Signs indicate specific limits where applicable.
vietnam:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
uganda:
50 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
uganda:
30 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
uganda:
80 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
uganda:
80 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
uganda:
80 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
uganda:
100 km/h
vietnam:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
uganda:
100 km/h
vietnam:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
uganda:
100 km/h
vietnam:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
uganda:
Limited
vietnam:
No
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
uganda:
Signs indicate specific limits where applicable.
vietnam:
N/A
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
uganda:
Common; often enforced by traffic police
vietnam:
Common

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
uganda:
Not allowed
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
uganda:
Allowed where not prohibited by signage
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
uganda:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
uganda:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
uganda:
Mandatory annual inspection
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
uganda:
Displayed on vehicle windshield
vietnam:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
uganda:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
uganda:
0.08%
vietnam:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
uganda:
0.05%
vietnam:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
uganda:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance applies
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Random Checks
uganda:
Implemented with checkpoints
vietnam:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
uganda:
Fines can be substantial
vietnam:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
uganda:
999
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
uganda:
Contact local authorities
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
uganda:
Available through local providers or insurance companies
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
uganda:
Mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
uganda:
Varies; fines can be substantial, points on license
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
uganda:
Severe penalties including fines and possibly jail time
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
uganda:
Fines may apply
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
uganda:
Fines and potential license suspension
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
uganda:
Fines and points on license
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
uganda:
Common in some cases
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
uganda:
Varies; pay by deadline indicated on ticket
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days