Driving in Bulgaria vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
Explore the intriguing contrasts in road regulations and safety practices between Bulgaria and Sweden. From lane markings to speed limits, these two nations exhibit distinct driving behaviors that can significantly impact your travel experience. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring secure and enjoyable journeys abroad.
Lanes
| Bulgaria | 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: Usage | Primarily reserved for public transport. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
bulgaria:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
bulgaria:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
bulgaria:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
bulgaria:
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: Usage
bulgaria:
Primarily reserved for public transport.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
bulgaria:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bulgaria:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bulgaria:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Bulgaria | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 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 | 140 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 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
bulgaria:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
bulgaria:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
bulgaria:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
bulgaria:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
bulgaria:
140 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
bulgaria:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
bulgaria:
100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
bulgaria:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
bulgaria:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
bulgaria:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Bulgaria | 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 Bulgaria | 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 | Bulgarian; 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 a red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
bulgaria:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
bulgaria:
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
bulgaria:
Not used in Bulgaria
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
bulgaria:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
bulgaria:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
bulgaria:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
bulgaria:
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
bulgaria:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
bulgaria:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
bulgaria:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
bulgaria:
Bulgarian; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
bulgaria:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
bulgaria:
Triangle-shaped with a red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Bulgaria | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not generally 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 | Permitted unless indicated otherwise 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
bulgaria:
Not generally allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
bulgaria:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
bulgaria:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
bulgaria:
Permitted unless indicated otherwise by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
bulgaria:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
bulgaria:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Bulgaria | 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 with International Driving Permit | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, proof required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or 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
bulgaria:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
bulgaria:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
bulgaria:
Accepted for short visits with International Driving Permit
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
bulgaria:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
bulgaria:
Yes, proof required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
bulgaria:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bulgaria:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bulgaria:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Bulgaria | 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
bulgaria:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
bulgaria:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
bulgaria:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
bulgaria:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
bulgaria:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
bulgaria:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
bulgaria:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
bulgaria:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
bulgaria:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Bulgaria | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 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; checkpoints used | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | 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
bulgaria:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
bulgaria:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
bulgaria:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
bulgaria:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
bulgaria:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
bulgaria:
Common; checkpoints used
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
bulgaria:
Substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
bulgaria:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
bulgaria:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Bulgaria | 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
bulgaria:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
bulgaria:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
bulgaria:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
bulgaria:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
bulgaria:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
bulgaria:
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
| Bulgaria | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by region | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local providers | 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
bulgaria:
Varies by region
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
bulgaria:
Check with your insurance provider or local providers
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
bulgaria:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
bulgaria:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Bulgaria | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; often €20 to €150, 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 | Up to €50 | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Up to €50 | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies; typically fined and points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; fines often paid onsite | 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
bulgaria:
Varies; often €20 to €150, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
bulgaria:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
bulgaria:
Up to €50
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
bulgaria:
Up to €50
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
bulgaria:
Varies; typically fined and points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
bulgaria:
Common; fines often paid onsite
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
bulgaria:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
bulgaria:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
bulgaria:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.