Driving in Bahrain vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances of road regulations is essential for a safe journey. This comparison between Bahrain and Sweden reveals significant variations in lane markings, speed limits, and driving etiquette. While Bahrain emphasizes strict lane adherence, Sweden showcases a more flexible approach, particularly regarding bicycle lanes and variable speed limits. Stay informed to drive confidently!
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in bahrain is the Right Side of the road
76
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in bahrain is 76
0.531 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for bahrain is 0.531 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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| Bahrain | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Indicates separation, no crossing unless during emergencies. | 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 | Typically used to indicate a turning lane or lane merging. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Generally not allowed unless in multi-lane roads. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses during peak hours. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes, but limited. | Yes | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Primarily on designated routes. | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and white lines. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bahrain:
Indicates separation, no crossing unless during emergencies.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
bahrain:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bahrain:
Typically used to indicate a turning lane or lane merging.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
bahrain:
Generally not allowed unless in multi-lane roads.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
bahrain:
List length: 4
sweden:
List length: 5
Bus Lanes: Usage
bahrain:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bahrain:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bahrain:
Yes, but limited.
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bahrain:
Primarily on designated routes.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bahrain:
Bicycle symbols and white lines.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bahrain:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahrain:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
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| Bahrain | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-40 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 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | 90-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 80-90 km/h | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. | |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, both on-the-spot and mailed fines | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
bahrain:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bahrain:
30-40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bahrain:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bahrain:
100-120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bahrain:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bahrain:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bahrain:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bahrain:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bahrain:
Yes, both on-the-spot and mailed fines
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
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| Bahrain | 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 Bahrain | Not common in Sweden. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting. | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas | Use is generally discouraged. | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. | |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. | |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Used as a signal of road rage or aggression | 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 | Arabic and 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 | Triangular with a red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
bahrain:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bahrain:
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
bahrain:
Not used in Bahrain
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bahrain:
Signal when entering and exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bahrain:
Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
bahrain:
Fines for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
bahrain:
To warn other drivers of your presence
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
bahrain:
Used as a signal of road rage or aggression
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
bahrain:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
bahrain:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
bahrain:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
bahrain:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
bahrain:
Triangular with a red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
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| Bahrain | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless indicated by a sign | 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 | Permitted unless no U-turn sign is present | 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
bahrain:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
bahrain:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
bahrain:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
bahrain:
Permitted unless no U-turn sign is present
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
bahrain:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
bahrain:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Bahrain | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit often required | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. | |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual vehicle inspections mandatory | Annual inspection required. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, but not mandatory | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
bahrain:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bahrain:
International Driving Permit often required
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bahrain:
International Driving Permit required
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
bahrain:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bahrain:
Annual vehicle inspections mandatory
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bahrain:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
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| Bahrain | 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 horn 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
bahrain:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
bahrain:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
bahrain:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
bahrain:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
bahrain:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bahrain:
Moderate horn use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
bahrain:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bahrain:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
bahrain:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
When venturing abroad, understanding the nuances of road regulations is essential for a safe journey. This comparison between Bahrain and Sweden reveals significant variations in lane markings, speed limits, and driving etiquette. While Bahrain emphasizes strict lane adherence, Sweden showcases a more flexible approach, particularly regarding bicycle lanes and variable speed limits. Stay informed to drive confidently!
Alcohol
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% | Zero tolerance; 0.00%. | |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol | 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, especially during nighttime | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; both fines and imprisonment possible | 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 and legal actions | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bahrain:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bahrain:
Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
bahrain:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
bahrain:
Common, especially during nighttime
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
bahrain:
Substantial; both fines and imprisonment possible
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
bahrain:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
bahrain:
Can result in license suspension and legal actions
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | 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
bahrain:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
bahrain:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
bahrain:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
bahrain:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
bahrain:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
bahrain:
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
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 999 | 112 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 999 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact your insurance provider | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, but not mandatory | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, but not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
bahrain:
999
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bahrain:
999
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bahrain:
Contact your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bahrain:
Recommended, but not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Bahrain | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | High fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines for non-compliance | SEK 1500, points on license. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for using mobile phones while driving | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Heavy fines, possible license points | Varies; fines and possible points on license. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines can also be paid online | Common; fines can be issued directly. | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15-30 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
bahrain:
Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
bahrain:
High fines, possible imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bahrain:
Fines for non-compliance
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
bahrain:
Fines applicable for using mobile phones while driving
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bahrain:
Heavy fines, possible license points
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
bahrain:
Possible; fines can also be paid online
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
bahrain:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
bahrain:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
bahrain:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.