Driving Differences: Bhutan vs. Sweden Uncovered
Explore the intriguing contrasts in road rules and regulations between Bhutan and Sweden. From driving sides and speed limits to traffic signals and penalties, these two nations present distinct approaches to vehicular navigation. Understanding these variations is crucial for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience while traveling abroad.
Lanes
| Bhutan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| 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 Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes | 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 | 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. |
Driving Side
bhutan:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bhutan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
bhutan:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bhutan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
bhutan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
bhutan:
Yes
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
bhutan:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
bhutan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
bhutan:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bhutan:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
bhutan:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bhutan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Bhutan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20-30 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 40-60 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 40-60 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 40-60 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | Up to 80 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | Up to 80 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | Up to 60 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 | No | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
bhutan:
20-30 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bhutan:
Up to 80 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bhutan:
Up to 60 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bhutan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bhutan:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
bhutan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bhutan:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Bhutan | 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 Bhutan | 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]
bhutan:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bhutan:
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
bhutan:
Not used in Bhutan
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bhutan:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bhutan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
bhutan:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
bhutan:
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
bhutan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
bhutan:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
bhutan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
bhutan:
English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
bhutan:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
bhutan:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Bhutan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | 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 | Restricted; 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
bhutan:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
bhutan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
bhutan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
bhutan:
Restricted; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
bhutan:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
bhutan:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Bhutan | 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 | Annual vehicle inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, not mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
bhutan:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bhutan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
bhutan:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bhutan:
Annual vehicle inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bhutan:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Bhutan | 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 in rural areas, reduced in urban settings | 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 left 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
bhutan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
bhutan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
bhutan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
bhutan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
bhutan:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bhutan:
Frequent use in rural areas, reduced in urban settings
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
bhutan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bhutan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
bhutan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Bhutan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.04% | 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, especially during events | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial 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 | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
bhutan:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bhutan:
0.04%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bhutan:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bhutan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
bhutan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
bhutan:
Common, especially during events
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
bhutan:
Substantial and imprisonment possible
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
bhutan:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
bhutan:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Bhutan | 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
bhutan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
bhutan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
bhutan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
bhutan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
bhutan:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
bhutan:
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
| Bhutan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 113 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 113 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with local providers or vehicle insurance | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended, not mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended, not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
bhutan:
113
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
bhutan:
113
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bhutan:
Check with local providers or vehicle insurance
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bhutan:
Recommended, not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Bhutan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; often involves fines and points on license | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines enforced | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines enforced | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically immediate payment required | 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
bhutan:
Varies; often involves fines and points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
bhutan:
Substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bhutan:
Fines enforced
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
bhutan:
Fines enforced
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bhutan:
Fines and points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
bhutan:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
bhutan:
Varies; typically immediate payment required
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
bhutan:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
bhutan:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.