Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Sweden: Key Differences
Explore the intriguing contrasts in motoring regulations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sweden. From lane markings and speed restrictions to alcohol limits and traffic signals, our comprehensive comparison highlights essential distinctions that every traveler should be aware of. Enhance your road safety abroad by understanding these critical variations in driving norms.
Lanes
| Bosnia and herzegovina | 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 in one-way streets or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols, sometimes colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bosnia and herzegovina:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
bosnia and herzegovina:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bosnia and herzegovina:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
bosnia and herzegovina:
Allowed in one-way streets or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
bosnia and herzegovina:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bosnia and herzegovina:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
bosnia and herzegovina:
Bicycle symbols, sometimes colored pavement.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bosnia and herzegovina:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bosnia and herzegovina:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Bosnia and herzegovina | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 130 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, frequently used | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
bosnia and herzegovina:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bosnia and herzegovina:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bosnia and herzegovina:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bosnia and herzegovina:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bosnia and herzegovina:
130 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bosnia and herzegovina:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bosnia and herzegovina:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bosnia and herzegovina:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bosnia and herzegovina:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yes, frequently used
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Bosnia and herzegovina | 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 | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unreasonable use prohibited | 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 | 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 | Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian; 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 | Triangle-shaped with red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
bosnia and herzegovina:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bosnia and herzegovina:
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
bosnia and herzegovina:
Not used
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bosnia and herzegovina:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bosnia and herzegovina:
Unreasonable use prohibited
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
bosnia and herzegovina:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
bosnia and herzegovina:
To warn other drivers of your presence
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
bosnia and herzegovina:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
bosnia and herzegovina:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
bosnia and herzegovina:
Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
bosnia and herzegovina:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Bosnia and herzegovina | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Usually not allowed unless indicated 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 | Allowed when not prohibited by a sign | 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
bosnia and herzegovina:
Usually not allowed unless indicated by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
bosnia and herzegovina:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
bosnia and herzegovina:
Allowed when not prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
bosnia and herzegovina:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Bosnia and herzegovina | 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 may be required | 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 | Mandatory annual inspection | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
bosnia and herzegovina:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bosnia and herzegovina:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit may be required
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bosnia and herzegovina:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
bosnia and herzegovina:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory annual inspection
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bosnia and herzegovina:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Bosnia and herzegovina | 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
bosnia and herzegovina:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
bosnia and herzegovina:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
bosnia and herzegovina:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
bosnia and herzegovina:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
bosnia and herzegovina:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bosnia and herzegovina:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
bosnia and herzegovina:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bosnia and herzegovina:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
bosnia and herzegovina:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Bosnia and herzegovina | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; 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 | Common | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial fines 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 and fines | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
bosnia and herzegovina:
0.03%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bosnia and herzegovina:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bosnia and herzegovina:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bosnia and herzegovina:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
bosnia and herzegovina:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
bosnia and herzegovina:
Common
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
bosnia and herzegovina:
Substantial fines possible
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
bosnia and herzegovina:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
bosnia and herzegovina:
Can result in license suspension and fines
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Bosnia and herzegovina | 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
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
bosnia and herzegovina:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
bosnia and herzegovina:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
bosnia and herzegovina:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
bosnia and herzegovina:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
bosnia and herzegovina:
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
| Bosnia and herzegovina | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 122 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Usually provided by insurance | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
bosnia and herzegovina:
122
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bosnia and herzegovina:
Usually provided by insurance
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bosnia and herzegovina:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Bosnia and herzegovina | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be significant | 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 apply | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply, usage prohibited unless hands-free | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applicable | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes, often required | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within a few weeks | 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
bosnia and herzegovina:
Varies; fines can be significant
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
bosnia and herzegovina:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bosnia and herzegovina:
Fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
bosnia and herzegovina:
Fines apply, usage prohibited unless hands-free
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bosnia and herzegovina:
Fines applicable
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
bosnia and herzegovina:
Yes, often required
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
bosnia and herzegovina:
Varies; typically within a few weeks
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
bosnia and herzegovina:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
bosnia and herzegovina:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.