Driving in Cyprus vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
As you prepare for your travels, understanding the distinct road rules and regulations in Cyprus and Sweden is crucial for ensuring a safe journey. From varying speed limits to lane usage, this comparison reveals notable contrasts, such as driving on opposite sides and different signaling practices. Discover key insights that can enhance your driving experience abroad.
LEFT
Driving Side
The driving side in cyprus is the Left Side of the road
89
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in cyprus is 89
1.488 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for cyprus is 1.488 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Cyprus | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the edge of the road. | 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 | May not be commonly used; other markings guide traffic | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Prohibited. | 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 | Limited | Yes | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Usually reserved for public transport. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled; specific signs indicate usage. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. | 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
cyprus:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
cyprus:
Marks the edge of the road.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
cyprus:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
cyprus:
May not be commonly used; other markings guide traffic
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
cyprus:
Prohibited.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
cyprus:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
cyprus:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
cyprus:
Usually reserved for public transport.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
cyprus:
Labeled; specific signs indicate usage.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
cyprus:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
cyprus:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
cyprus:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cyprus:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
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| Cyprus | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 30 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 | 100 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
cyprus:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
cyprus:
50 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
cyprus:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
cyprus:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
cyprus:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
cyprus:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
cyprus:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
cyprus:
100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
cyprus:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
cyprus:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
cyprus:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
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| Cyprus | 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 Cyprus | Not common in Sweden. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and 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 | Greek and English; 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]
cyprus:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
cyprus:
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
cyprus:
Not used in Cyprus
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
cyprus:
Signal when entering and exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
cyprus:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
cyprus:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
cyprus:
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
cyprus:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
cyprus:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
cyprus:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
cyprus:
Greek and English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
cyprus:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
cyprus:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
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| Cyprus | 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
cyprus:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
cyprus:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
cyprus:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
cyprus:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
cyprus:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
cyprus:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Cyprus | 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 without additional permits | 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 | Yes, periodic inspection 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, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
cyprus:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
cyprus:
Accepted for short visits without additional permits
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
cyprus:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
cyprus:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
cyprus:
Yes, periodic inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
cyprus:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
cyprus:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Cyprus | 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
cyprus:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
cyprus:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
cyprus:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
cyprus:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
cyprus:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
cyprus:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
cyprus:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
cyprus:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
cyprus:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
As you prepare for your travels, understanding the distinct road rules and regulations in Cyprus and Sweden is crucial for ensuring a safe journey. From varying speed limits to lane usage, this comparison reveals notable contrasts, such as driving on opposite sides and different signaling practices. Discover key insights that can enhance your driving experience abroad.
Alcohol
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Cyprus | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 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 routinely | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial and strict | 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
cyprus:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
cyprus:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
cyprus:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
cyprus:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
cyprus:
Common; checkpoints used routinely
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
cyprus:
Substantial and strict
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
cyprus:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
cyprus:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Cyprus | 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 when entering and intending to exit immediately | 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
cyprus:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
cyprus:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
cyprus:
Signal when entering and intending to exit immediately
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
cyprus:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
cyprus:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
cyprus:
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
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Cyprus | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 112 | 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: Traffic Police
cyprus:
112
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
cyprus:
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
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
cyprus:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
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| Cyprus | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be substantial | 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 | Strict enforcement | SEK 1500, points on license. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Strict enforcement, fines apply | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Substantial fines, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail | Common; fines can be issued directly. | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15 to 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
cyprus:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
cyprus:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
cyprus:
Strict enforcement
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
cyprus:
Strict enforcement, fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
cyprus:
Substantial fines, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
cyprus:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
cyprus:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
cyprus:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
cyprus:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.