Driving in Costa Rica vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When traversing the roads of Costa Rica and Sweden, it's essential to understand their distinct driving regulations and road etiquette. While both countries prioritize motorist awareness, Costa Rica's more flexible overtaking rules contrast sharply with Sweden's structured lane usage and strict speed limits. Familiarizing yourself with these variations ensures a safer journey abroad.
Lanes
| Costa rica | 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: Presence | No | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Buses typically use regular traffic lanes. | 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 | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are generally static. | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
costa rica:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
costa rica:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
costa rica:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
costa rica:
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: Presence
costa rica:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Buses typically use regular traffic lanes.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
costa rica:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
costa rica:
Shared roads marked or planned for cyclist use.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
costa rica:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Costa rica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 25-40 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are generally static. | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Limited use | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; fines may be issued by police roadside | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
costa rica:
25-40 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
costa rica:
25 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
costa rica:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
costa rica:
80 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
costa rica:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
costa rica:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
costa rica:
Speed limits are generally static.
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
costa rica:
Limited use
sweden:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
costa rica:
Common; fines may be issued by police roadside
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Costa rica | 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 Costa Rica | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines | 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 | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
costa rica:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
costa rica:
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
costa rica:
Not used in Costa Rica
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
costa rica:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
costa rica:
Excessive use discouraged; can be subject to fines
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
costa rica:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
costa rica:
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
costa rica:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
costa rica:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
costa rica:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
costa rica:
Spanish; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
costa rica:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
costa rica:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Costa rica | 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 | Prohibited unless indicated otherwise | 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
costa rica:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
costa rica:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
costa rica:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
costa rica:
Prohibited unless indicated otherwise
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
costa rica:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
costa rica:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Costa rica | 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 inspection required; proof required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
costa rica:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
costa rica:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
costa rica:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
costa rica:
Annual inspection required; proof required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
costa rica:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Costa rica | 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 is common to signal intentions | 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
costa rica:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
costa rica:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
costa rica:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
costa rica:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
costa rica:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
costa rica:
Frequent use is common to signal intentions
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
costa rica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
costa rica:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
costa rica:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Costa rica | 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 are used throughout | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial; varies by offense severity | 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
costa rica:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
costa rica:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
costa rica:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
costa rica:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
costa rica:
Common; checkpoints are used throughout
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
costa rica:
Can be substantial; varies by offense severity
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
costa rica:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
costa rica:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Costa rica | 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
costa rica:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
costa rica:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
costa rica:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
costa rica:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
costa rica:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
costa rica:
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
| Costa rica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 911 or direct number depending on location | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
costa rica:
911
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
costa rica:
911 or direct number depending on location
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
costa rica:
Contact your insurance provider or local services like INS
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
costa rica:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
costa rica:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Costa rica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines applicable for non-compliance | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use without hands-free | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applicable for non-compliance | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; police may issue fines on the spot | 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
costa rica:
Varies; can range from 22,000 CRC and above
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
costa rica:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
costa rica:
Fines applicable for use without hands-free
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
costa rica:
Fines applicable for non-compliance
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
costa rica:
Common; police may issue fines on the spot
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
costa rica:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
costa rica:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
costa rica:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.