Driving in Australia vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
When exploring the roads of Australia and Sweden, understanding their unique traffic regulations and practices is crucial for a safe journey. Key distinctions include driving on opposite sides, differing speed limits in urban areas, and unique lane usage rules. By familiarizing yourself with these variations, you can ensure a secure driving experience in both nations.
LEFT
Driving Side
The driving side in australia is the Left Side of the road
87
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in australia is 87
1.032 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for australia is 1.032 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels. | Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing. | |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | No crossing in either direction. | Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions. | |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | Allowed | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Yes | No | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Minimum two or more occupants | N/A |
Driving Side
australia:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; can indicate the left edge in tunnels.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
australia:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
australia:
Not commonly used; may mark reversible lanes.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
australia:
Allowed
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
australia:
Not allowed except on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
australia:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
australia:
Reserved for buses and taxis; usage by others restricted.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
australia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS LANE'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
australia:
Yes
sweden:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
australia:
Minimum two or more occupants
sweden:
N/A
Speeds Limits
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 70-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 70-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-110 km/h | 90-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100-110 km/h | 90-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90-100 km/h | 80-90 km/h | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; may vary by area. | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
australia:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
australia:
40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
australia:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
australia:
100-110 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
australia:
100-110 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
australia:
90-100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
australia:
Common; may vary by area.
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1] | Amber | Yellow | |
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles. | |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not commonly used. | Not common in Sweden. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting. | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Use is generally discouraged. | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. | |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. | |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Swedish; symbols are standard. | |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. | |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
australia:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
australia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
sweden:
Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
australia:
Not commonly used.
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
australia:
Signal when entering and exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
australia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
australia:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
australia:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
australia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
australia:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
australia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
australia:
English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
australia:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
australia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed, except where signage permits. | Not generally allowed. | |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. | |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. | |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. | Allowed except where prohibited by signs. | |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. | |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
australia:
Not allowed, except where signage permits.
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
australia:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
australia:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
australia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
australia:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
australia:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended. | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. | |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Varies by state; proof may be required | Annual inspection required. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states | Proof may be required to be shown. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
australia:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
australia:
Accepted for short periods; International Driving Permit recommended.
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
australia:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
australia:
Varies by state; proof may be required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
australia:
Displayed on license plate or windshield in some states
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
australia:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. | |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. | |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. | |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. | |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. | |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Rarely used except for emergencies. | |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the left and stop if necessary | Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary. | |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
australia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
australia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
australia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
australia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
australia:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
australia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
australia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
australia:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
australia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
When exploring the roads of Australia and Sweden, understanding their unique traffic regulations and practices is crucial for a safe journey. Key distinctions include driving on opposite sides, differing speed limits in urban areas, and unique lane usage rules. By familiarizing yourself with these variations, you can ensure a secure driving experience in both nations.
Alcohol
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance in all states. | Zero tolerance; 0.00%. | |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. | |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. | |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; roadside breath testing often conducted | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by state; can be substantial | Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level. | |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for high levels or repeat offenses. | |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
australia:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
australia:
0.00%; zero tolerance in all states.
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
australia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
australia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
australia:
Common; roadside breath testing often conducted
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
australia:
Varies by state; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
australia:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
australia:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. | |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. | |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal right if intending to turn immediately | Signal left if you plan to take the first exit. | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal left when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. | |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
australia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
australia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
australia:
Signal right if intending to turn immediately
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
australia:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
australia:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
australia:
Use for subsequent exits, move to left lane before exit when safe
sweden:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 000 | 112 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by state; contact local police | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or NRMA | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
australia:
000
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
australia:
Varies by state; contact local police
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
australia:
Check with your insurance provider or NRMA
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
australia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
australia:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
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| Australia | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible | SEK 1500, points on license. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible | Varies; fines and possible points on license. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; varies by jurisdiction. | Common; fines can be issued directly. | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay | Typically within 30 days to pay. | |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. | |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
australia:
Varies; AUD 100 to AUD 3,000, demerit points possible
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
australia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 500, demerit points possible
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
australia:
AUD 200 to AUD 1,600, demerit points possible
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
australia:
AUD 300 to AUD 900, demerit points possible
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
australia:
Yes; varies by jurisdiction.
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
australia:
Varies; typically 14 to 28 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
australia:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
australia:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.