Driving in Chile vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
Discover the unique nuances of road regulations between Chile and Sweden, essential for ensuring a secure journey abroad. From lane markings to speed limits, these countries exhibit distinct driving practices. Key disparities include Sweden's variable speed limits and stricter alcohol limits, which highlight the importance of adapting to local traffic customs for safer travel experiences.
Lanes
| Chile | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left edge on divided roads or separates oncoming traffic on two-way streets. | 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 | Indicates passing or changing lanes is permitted when safe on two-way roads. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Prohibited unless 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 | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; can be used by private vehicles outside peak hours depending on local regulations. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUSES EXCLUSIVO'; marked with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and 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
chile:
Marks the left edge on divided roads or separates oncoming traffic on two-way streets.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
chile:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
chile:
Indicates passing or changing lanes is permitted when safe on two-way roads.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
chile:
Prohibited unless 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
chile:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; can be used by private vehicles outside peak hours depending on local regulations.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
chile:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUSES EXCLUSIVO'; marked with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
chile:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
chile:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
chile:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Chile | 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 | 100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 100 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 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 | Common; fines may be paid directly to police or in designated locations | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
chile:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
chile:
40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
chile:
100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
chile:
100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
chile:
100 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
chile:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
chile:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
chile:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
chile:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
chile:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
chile:
Common; fines may be paid directly to police or in designated locations
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Chile | 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 Chile | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Excessive use discouraged, especially near hospitals and schools | 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 | Spanish; 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; some variations in colors | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
chile:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
chile:
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
chile:
Not used in Chile
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
chile:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
chile:
Excessive use discouraged, especially near hospitals and schools
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
chile:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
chile:
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
chile:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
chile:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
chile:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
chile:
Spanish; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
chile:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
chile:
Triangle shaped with red border; some variations in colors
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Chile | 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
chile:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
chile:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
chile:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
chile:
Varies by locality; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
chile:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
chile:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Chile | 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 | Required annually | 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
chile:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
chile:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
chile:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
chile:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
chile:
Required annually
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
chile:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
chile:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
chile:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Chile | 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
chile:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
chile:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
chile:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
chile:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
chile:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
chile:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
chile:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
chile:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
chile:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Chile | 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; checkpoints used frequently | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial penalties, including suspension of license | 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
chile:
0.03%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
chile:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
chile:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
chile:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
chile:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
chile:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
chile:
Substantial penalties, including suspension of license
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
chile:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
chile:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Chile | 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 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
chile:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
chile:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
chile:
Signal if turning upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
chile:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
chile:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
chile:
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
| Chile | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 133 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 133 or 139 on mobile phones | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local assistance services | 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: General Emergency
chile:
133
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
chile:
133 or 139 on mobile phones
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
chile:
Check with your insurance provider or local assistance services
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
chile:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
chile:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Chile | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; high fines, includes license suspension possibilities | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply for non-use | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for use without hands-free technology | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Significant fines, includes license suspension | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Sometimes possible; otherwise must be paid at designated locations | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically short timeframe 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
chile:
Varies; high fines, includes license suspension possibilities
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
chile:
Severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
chile:
Fines apply for non-use
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
chile:
Fines for use without hands-free technology
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
chile:
Significant fines, includes license suspension
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
chile:
Sometimes possible; otherwise must be paid at designated locations
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
chile:
Varies; typically short timeframe to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
chile:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
chile:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.