Brunei vs Sweden: Key Driving Differences Explained
Discover the distinct driving landscapes of Brunei and Sweden, where regulations and road etiquette vary significantly. From lane usage to speed limits, these countries present unique challenges for travelers. Notable contrasts include Brunei's left-side driving versus Sweden's right, and the presence of specialized lanes for buses and bicycles in Sweden. Stay informed and drive safely abroad!
Lanes
| Brunei | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the right 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 right. | 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
brunei:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
brunei:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
brunei:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
brunei:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
brunei:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
brunei:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
brunei:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
brunei:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
brunei:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
brunei:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
brunei:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
brunei:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
brunei:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
brunei:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brunei:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Brunei | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 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 | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
brunei:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
brunei:
40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
brunei:
70-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
brunei:
70-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
brunei:
70-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
brunei:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
brunei:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
brunei:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
brunei:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
brunei:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
brunei:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Brunei | 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 Brunei | 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 | Malay; English used for important signs | 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]
brunei:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
brunei:
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
brunei:
Not used in Brunei
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
brunei:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
brunei:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
brunei:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
brunei:
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
brunei:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
brunei:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
brunei:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
brunei:
Malay; English used for important signs
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
brunei:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
brunei:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Brunei | 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 | Allowed unless prohibited by 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
brunei:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
brunei:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
brunei:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
brunei:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
brunei:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
brunei:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Brunei | 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 with International Driving Permit | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annually required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not used | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
brunei:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
brunei:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
brunei:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
brunei:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
brunei:
Annually required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
brunei:
Not used
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
brunei:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brunei:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Brunei | 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 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
brunei:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
brunei:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
brunei:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
brunei:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
brunei:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
brunei:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
brunei:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
brunei:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
brunei:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Brunei | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 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; checkpoints used in some areas | 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
brunei:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
brunei:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
brunei:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
brunei:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
brunei:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
brunei:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
brunei:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
brunei:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
brunei:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Brunei | 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
brunei:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
brunei:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
brunei:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
brunei:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
brunei:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
brunei:
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
| Brunei | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 991 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 993 | 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
brunei:
991
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
brunei:
993
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
brunei:
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
brunei:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
brunei:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Brunei | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; B$50 to B$500, points on license | 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 | B$150 | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | B$300 | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | B$250 | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 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
brunei:
Varies; B$50 to B$500, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
brunei:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
brunei:
B$150
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
brunei:
B$300
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
brunei:
B$250
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
brunei:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
brunei:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
brunei:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
brunei:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.