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Driving Differences: Belgium vs. Sweden Explained

When navigating the roads of Belgium and Sweden, drivers will encounter distinct rules and regulations that can significantly impact their travel experience. From lane markings to speed limits, understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring a secure journey. Dive into our detailed comparison to learn how these two countries prioritize road conduct and safety.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
belgium:
Not commonly used; white lines are prevalent.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
belgium:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
belgium:
Not commonly used; white lines are prevalent.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
belgium:
Generally not allowed except in traffic queues or on multi-lane roads.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
belgium:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; specific hours may apply.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
belgium:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
belgium:
N/A
sweden:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
belgium:
70-90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
belgium:
70-90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
belgium:
60-90 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
belgium:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
belgium:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
belgium:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belgium:
Electronic signs display current limits
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
belgium:
No; fines are mailed to the driver
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
belgium:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
belgium:
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
belgium:
Yes; indicates impending green light
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
belgium:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
belgium:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
belgium:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
belgium:
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
belgium:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
belgium:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
belgium:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
belgium:
Dutch, French, German; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
belgium:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
belgium:
Triangle-shaped with a red border and white or yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.

Turns

Right Turn On Red
belgium:
Not allowed unless specific signage permits
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
belgium:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
belgium:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
belgium:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
belgium:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
belgium:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
belgium:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
belgium:
Accepted; national driving license sufficient
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
belgium:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
belgium:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
belgium:
Yes; proof must be shown during police checks
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
belgium:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
belgium:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
belgium:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
belgium:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
belgium:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
belgium:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
belgium:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
belgium:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
belgium:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
belgium:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
belgium:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
belgium:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
belgium:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
belgium:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
belgium:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
belgium:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
belgium:
Common; conducted by police
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
belgium:
Varies by severity of offense
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
belgium:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
belgium:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
belgium:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
belgium:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
belgium:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
belgium:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
belgium:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
belgium:
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: Traffic Police
belgium:
101
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
belgium:
Check with your insurance provider or Europe Assistance
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
belgium:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
belgium:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
belgium:
Varies; fines increase with speed, and can include license suspension
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
belgium:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
belgium:
Fine of around 50 EUR
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
belgium:
Fine of around 100 EUR, increased for repeat offenses
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
belgium:
Fines; points on license possible
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
belgium:
No; fines usually mailed to the driver
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
belgium:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
belgium:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
belgium:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.