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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!

Lanes

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Alcohol

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

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

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

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.