Driving in Belize vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When exploring the roads of Belize and Sweden, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that significantly affect their journeys. Key disparities include lane markings, speed limits, and alcohol restrictions, with Belize permitting a higher blood alcohol limit compared to Sweden's stringent 0.02%. Understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a secure and pleasant driving experience abroad.
Lanes
| Belize | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided 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 | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | N/A | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
belize:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
belize:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
belize:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
belize:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Presence
belize:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
belize:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
belize:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
belize:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
belize:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
belize:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
belize:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
belize:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belize:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Belize | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 25 mph | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 mph | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 40-55 mph | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 40-55 mph | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 40-55 mph | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 55-65 mph | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 55-65 mph | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 55-65 mph | 80-90 km/h |
| Speed Units | mph | km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | No | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, fines are usually collected immediately | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
belize:
25 mph
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
belize:
25 mph
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
belize:
40-55 mph
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
belize:
40-55 mph
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
belize:
40-55 mph
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
belize:
55-65 mph
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
belize:
55-65 mph
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
belize:
55-65 mph
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Speed Units
belize:
mph
sweden:
km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
belize:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belize:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
belize:
No
sweden:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
belize:
Yes, fines are usually collected immediately
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Belize | 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 Belize | 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 | 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 | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
belize:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
belize:
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
belize:
Not used in Belize
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
belize:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
belize:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
belize:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
belize:
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
belize:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
belize:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
belize:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
belize:
English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
belize:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
belize:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Belize | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed unless prohibited 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 | 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
belize:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
belize:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
belize:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
belize:
Varies by locality; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
belize:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
belize:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Belize | 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 | Mandatory annually; proof may be required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or 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
belize:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
belize:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
belize:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
belize:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
belize:
Mandatory annually; proof may be required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
belize:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
belize:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
belize:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Belize | 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 | Less 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 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
belize:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
belize:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
belize:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
belize:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
belize:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
belize:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
belize:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
belize:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
belize:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Belize | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 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 | Less common; checkpoints used occasionally | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies; 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
belize:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
belize:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
belize:
Zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
belize:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
belize:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
belize:
Less common; checkpoints used occasionally
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
belize:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
belize:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
belize:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Belize | 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
belize:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
belize:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
belize:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
belize:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
belize:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
belize:
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
| Belize | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 911 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | 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
belize:
911
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
belize:
911
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
belize:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
belize:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
belize:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Belize | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; BZD$100 to $500 | 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 | Fines for non-compliance | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for use without hands-free | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies; significant fines | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes, fines are often collected immediately | 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
belize:
Varies; BZD$100 to $500
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
belize:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
belize:
Fines for non-compliance
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
belize:
Fines for use without hands-free
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
belize:
Varies; significant fines
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
belize:
Yes, fines are often collected immediately
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
belize:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
belize:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
belize:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.