Driving in Bangladesh vs Sweden: Key Safety Differences
Explore the intriguing contrasts in road regulations and practices between Bangladesh and Sweden. From varying lane usage and speed limits to distinct rules on overtaking and traffic signals, understanding these disparities is essential for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Dive into our comprehensive comparison to enhance your travel safety and driving experience.
Lanes
| Bangladesh | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the right edge on some 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 | Often used to indicate a centerline; passing permitted when safe. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Generally not allowed. | 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: Presence | Yes, in major cities | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses during peak hours. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Often marked with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Bicycles generally use the edge of the road. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
bangladesh:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bangladesh:
Marks the right edge on some roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
bangladesh:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bangladesh:
Often used to indicate a centerline; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
bangladesh:
Generally not allowed.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bangladesh:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bangladesh:
Yes, in major cities
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bangladesh:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bangladesh:
Often marked with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bangladesh:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bangladesh:
Bicycles generally use the edge of the road.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bangladesh:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bangladesh:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bangladesh:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Bangladesh | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 25-50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 50-70 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes, in major areas | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common practice | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
bangladesh:
25-50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bangladesh:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bangladesh:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bangladesh:
50-70 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bangladesh:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bangladesh:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bangladesh:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bangladesh:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bangladesh:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bangladesh:
Yes, in major areas
sweden:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bangladesh:
Yes, common practice
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Bangladesh | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1] | Amber | Yellow |
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to other vehicles | Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Bangladesh | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged | 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 | Bengali; 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-shaped with red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
bangladesh:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bangladesh:
Proceed with caution, yield to other vehicles
sweden:
Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
bangladesh:
Not used in Bangladesh
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bangladesh:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bangladesh:
Unnecessary use discouraged
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
bangladesh:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
bangladesh:
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
bangladesh:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
bangladesh:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
bangladesh:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
bangladesh:
Bengali; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
bangladesh:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
bangladesh:
Triangular-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Bangladesh | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not commonly permitted | 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 area; 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
bangladesh:
Not commonly permitted
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
bangladesh:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
bangladesh:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
bangladesh:
Varies by area; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
bangladesh:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
bangladesh:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Bangladesh | 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 recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annually, proof displayed on vehicle | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | 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
bangladesh:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bangladesh:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bangladesh:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
bangladesh:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bangladesh:
Annually, proof displayed on vehicle
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bangladesh:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bangladesh:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bangladesh:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Bangladesh | 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 | 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 side 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
bangladesh:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
bangladesh:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
bangladesh:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
bangladesh:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
bangladesh:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bangladesh:
Frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
bangladesh:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bangladesh:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
bangladesh:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Bangladesh | 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 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 in checkpoints | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial, varies by offense | 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
bangladesh:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bangladesh:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bangladesh:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bangladesh:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
bangladesh:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
bangladesh:
Common in checkpoints
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
bangladesh:
Substantial, varies by offense
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
bangladesh:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
bangladesh:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Bangladesh | 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 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 right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
bangladesh:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
bangladesh:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
bangladesh:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
bangladesh:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
bangladesh:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
bangladesh:
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
| Bangladesh | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 9999 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local police | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | 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
bangladesh:
9999
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bangladesh:
Contact local police
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bangladesh:
Check with your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bangladesh:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bangladesh:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Bangladesh | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can include fines and points | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines applicable, varies by enforcement | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply, varies by enforcement | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies depending on the severity of the violation | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | More common than in the USA | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically immediate resolution preferred | 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
bangladesh:
Varies; can include fines and points
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
bangladesh:
Substantial fines, possible imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bangladesh:
Fines applicable, varies by enforcement
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
bangladesh:
Fines apply, varies by enforcement
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bangladesh:
Varies depending on the severity of the violation
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
bangladesh:
More common than in the USA
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
bangladesh:
Varies; typically immediate resolution preferred
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
bangladesh:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
bangladesh:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.