Azerbaijan vs Sweden: Driving Safety and Rules Compared
Azerbaijan and Sweden showcase intriguing contrasts in their road regulations and driving practices. From lane markings to speed limits, these nations offer distinct rules that influence vehicular safety. Understanding these variations is crucial for travelers seeking a secure experience on foreign roads, ensuring a smooth journey while navigating the unique driving landscapes of each country.
Lanes
| Azerbaijan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center on undivided roads. | 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 | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Right | In some cases, such as if the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved primarily for buses and sometimes other public transport vehicles. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often marked by road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Mainly in major cities and occasionally shared with bus lanes. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Limited | No |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Often designated for buses and public transport. | N/A |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
azerbaijan:
Marks the center on undivided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
azerbaijan:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
azerbaijan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
azerbaijan:
In some cases, such as if the vehicle ahead is turning left.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
azerbaijan:
Reserved primarily for buses and sometimes other public transport vehicles.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
azerbaijan:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked by road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
azerbaijan:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
azerbaijan:
Mainly in major cities and occasionally shared with bus lanes.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
azerbaijan:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
azerbaijan:
Limited
sweden:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
azerbaijan:
Often designated for buses and public transport.
sweden:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| Azerbaijan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 110 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 110 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 110 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common practice; fines can also be mailed. | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
azerbaijan:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
azerbaijan:
20 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
azerbaijan:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
azerbaijan:
110 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
azerbaijan:
Electronic signs display current limits
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
azerbaijan:
Common practice; fines can also be mailed.
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Azerbaijan | 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 used in Azerbaijan | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when 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 | Azerbaijani; 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 | Triangle-shaped with red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
azerbaijan:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
azerbaijan:
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
azerbaijan:
Not used in Azerbaijan
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
azerbaijan:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
azerbaijan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
azerbaijan:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
azerbaijan:
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
azerbaijan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
azerbaijan:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
azerbaijan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
azerbaijan:
Azerbaijani; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
azerbaijan:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
azerbaijan:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Azerbaijan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Generally not allowed, unless a green arrow is shown | 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 | Varies by locality; check for 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
azerbaijan:
Generally not allowed, unless a green arrow is shown
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
azerbaijan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
azerbaijan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
azerbaijan:
Varies by locality; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
azerbaijan:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
azerbaijan:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Azerbaijan | 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 visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual technical inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Provided upon successful inspection | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
azerbaijan:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
azerbaijan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
azerbaijan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
azerbaijan:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
azerbaijan:
Annual technical inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
azerbaijan:
Provided upon successful inspection
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Azerbaijan | 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 | Moderate 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 right 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
azerbaijan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
azerbaijan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
azerbaijan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
azerbaijan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
azerbaijan:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
azerbaijan:
Moderate use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
azerbaijan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
azerbaijan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
azerbaijan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Azerbaijan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 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 | Occasional; fines and penalties apply | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | 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
azerbaijan:
0.03%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
azerbaijan:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
azerbaijan:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
azerbaijan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
azerbaijan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
azerbaijan:
Occasional; fines and penalties apply
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
azerbaijan:
Can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
azerbaijan:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
azerbaijan:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Azerbaijan | 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 if turning immediately upon entry | Signal left if you plan to take the first exit. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right 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 right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
azerbaijan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
azerbaijan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
azerbaijan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
azerbaijan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
azerbaijan:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
azerbaijan:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
sweden:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| Azerbaijan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 102 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Call your insurance provider or local service | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
azerbaijan:
102
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
azerbaijan:
Call your insurance provider or local service
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
azerbaijan:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Azerbaijan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be significant depending on excess speed | 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 | Significant fines | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Significant fines, possible license points | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Significant fines, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; and fines can also be paid online or by mail | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 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
azerbaijan:
Varies; can be significant depending on excess speed
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
azerbaijan:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
azerbaijan:
Significant fines
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
azerbaijan:
Significant fines, possible license points
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
azerbaijan:
Significant fines, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
azerbaijan:
Possible; and fines can also be paid online or by mail
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
azerbaijan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
azerbaijan:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
azerbaijan:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.