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Driving Safety: Vanuatu vs Vietnam – Key Differences

When navigating the roads of Vanuatu and Vietnam, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that greatly impact their travel experience. Notably, Vietnam's presence of bus and cycle lanes stands in contrast to Vanuatu's absence of such infrastructure. Additionally, speed limits and enforcement mechanisms vary, emphasizing the importance of understanding these driving nuances for a safer journey abroad.

Lanes

Bus Lanes: Presence
vanuatu:
No
vietnam:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
vanuatu:
Not applicable in Vanuatu.
vietnam:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
vanuatu:
N/A
vietnam:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
vanuatu:
No
vietnam:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
vanuatu:
Bicycles generally share the road with cars.
vietnam:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
vanuatu:
N/A
vietnam:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
vanuatu:
Not applicable in Vanuatu.
vietnam:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
vanuatu:
Not commonly used in Vanuatu.
vietnam:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
vanuatu:
30-40 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
vanuatu:
30 km/h
vietnam:
40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
vietnam:
60-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
vietnam:
50-70 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
vanuatu:
50-80 km/h
vietnam:
40-60 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
vanuatu:
80 km/h
vietnam:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
vanuatu:
80 km/h
vietnam:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
vanuatu:
80 km/h
vietnam:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
vanuatu:
Not commonly used in Vanuatu.
vietnam:
N/A
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
vanuatu:
Rare
vietnam:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
vanuatu:
Yes; fines can be issued directly.
vietnam:
Common

Signals

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

Turns

Right Turn On Red
vanuatu:
Not typically allowed
vietnam:
Prohibited unless granted by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
vanuatu:
Varies; check local regulations and signs
vietnam:
Prohibited in central urban areas; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
vanuatu:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
vanuatu:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
vietnam:
An International Driving Permit is recommended
Insurance
vanuatu:
Third-party insurance mandatory
vietnam:
Liability insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
vanuatu:
Required; proof may be checked during traffic stops
vietnam:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
vanuatu:
No standard requirement
vietnam:
Displayed on the windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
vanuatu:
Recommended but not mandatory
vietnam:
Not mandatory

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: Professional Drivers
vanuatu:
0.02%
vietnam:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
vanuatu:
0.00% - zero tolerance
vietnam:
0.02%; strict enforcement
Enforcement: Random Checks
vanuatu:
Occasional
vietnam:
Common
Enforcement: Fines
vanuatu:
Fines can be substantial
vietnam:
Varies; can be substantial
Test Refusal
vanuatu:
Can lead to penalties including fines or arrest
vietnam:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
vanuatu:
112
vietnam:
113
Contact: Traffic Police
vanuatu:
112 for general assistance
vietnam:
113
Contact: Roadside Assistance
vanuatu:
Check with your insurance provider or local agencies
vietnam:
Check with insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
vanuatu:
Varies; can be significant
vietnam:
Varies; VNÐ 500,000 to VNÐ 4,000,000
Common Fines: Alcohol
vanuatu:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
vietnam:
Heavy fines and possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
vanuatu:
Fines apply
vietnam:
VNÐ 100,000 to VNÐ 200,000
Common Fines: Phone Use
vanuatu:
Fines apply for use while driving
vietnam:
VNÐ 600,000 to VNÐ 1,000,000
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
vanuatu:
Fines applicable
vietnam:
VNÐ 300,000 to VNÐ 500,000
Payment: On The Spot
vanuatu:
Possible; or through police stations
vietnam:
Common for minor fines
Payment: Deadline
vanuatu:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
vietnam:
Typically around 10-15 days