Driving in Dominican Republic vs. Sweden: Key Differences
Discover the intriguing contrasts in road rules between the Dominican Republic and Sweden, two countries with distinct driving cultures. Key distinctions include speed limits, traffic signal protocols, and lane usage, which can greatly impact your journey abroad. Understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience in each nation.
Lanes
| Dominican republic | 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 | Yes, mostly in the capital Santo Domingo | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; some taxis may also use them. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with motorized two-wheelers in some areas. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Often not marked. | 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. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
dominican republic:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
dominican republic:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
dominican republic:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
dominican republic:
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
dominican republic:
Yes, mostly in the capital Santo Domingo
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
dominican republic:
Reserved for buses; some taxis may also use them.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
dominican republic:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
dominican republic:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
dominican republic:
Shared with motorized two-wheelers in some areas.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
dominican republic:
Often not marked.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
dominican republic:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
dominican republic:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
dominican republic:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Dominican republic | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 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 | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | No; speed checks are done by police radar | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Possible for traffic infractions | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
dominican republic:
40 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
dominican republic:
25 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
dominican republic:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
dominican republic:
70 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
dominican republic:
70 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
dominican republic:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
dominican republic:
90 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
dominican republic:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
dominican republic:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
dominican republic:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
dominican republic:
No; speed checks are done by police radar
sweden:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
dominican republic:
Possible for traffic infractions
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Dominican republic | 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 Dominican Republic | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Commonly used in many situations | Only in cases to avoid accidents |
| 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 | 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 | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
dominican republic:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
dominican republic:
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
dominican republic:
Not used in Dominican Republic
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
dominican republic:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
dominican republic:
Commonly used in many situations
sweden:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
dominican republic:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
dominican republic:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
dominican republic:
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
dominican republic:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
dominican republic:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
dominican republic:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
dominican republic:
Spanish; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
dominican republic:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
dominican republic:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Dominican republic | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not generally allowed unless indicated 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 on major roads; 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
dominican republic:
Not generally allowed unless indicated by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
dominican republic:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
dominican republic:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
dominican republic:
Prohibited on major roads; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
dominican republic:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
dominican republic:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Dominican republic | 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 | Yes, annual inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
dominican republic:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
dominican republic:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
dominican republic:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
dominican republic:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
dominican republic:
Yes, annual inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
dominican republic:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
dominican republic:
Required
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
dominican republic:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Dominican republic | 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 | Commonly used more frequently than in some countries | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use in traffic | 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
dominican republic:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
dominican republic:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
dominican republic:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
dominican republic:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
dominican republic:
Commonly used more frequently than in some countries
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
dominican republic:
Frequent use in traffic
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
dominican republic:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
dominican republic:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
dominican republic:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Dominican republic | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 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 | Less common; some checkpoints used in urban areas | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; can lead to license suspension | Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for high levels or repeat offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Results in arrest and license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
dominican republic:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
dominican republic:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
dominican republic:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
dominican republic:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
dominican republic:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
dominican republic:
Less common; some checkpoints used in urban areas
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
dominican republic:
Substantial; can lead to license suspension
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
dominican republic:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
dominican republic:
Results in arrest and license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Dominican republic | 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
dominican republic:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
dominican republic:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
dominican republic:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
dominican republic:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
dominican republic:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
dominican republic:
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
| Dominican republic | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 911 or designated local numbers | 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 | Required and recommended as a safety measure | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended for safety | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
dominican republic:
911
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
dominican republic:
911 or designated local numbers
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
dominican republic:
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
dominican republic:
Required and recommended as a safety measure
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
dominican republic:
Recommended for safety
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Dominican republic | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be steep depending on the violation | 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 | Mandatory use; fines for non-compliance | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for using a phone while driving without hands-free devices | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines for non-compliance with signals | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for common violations | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; often within 15-30 days | 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
dominican republic:
Varies; fines can be steep depending on the violation
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
dominican republic:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
dominican republic:
Mandatory use; fines for non-compliance
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
dominican republic:
Fines for using a phone while driving without hands-free devices
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
dominican republic:
Fines for non-compliance with signals
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
dominican republic:
Possible for common violations
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
dominican republic:
Varies; often within 15-30 days
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
dominican republic:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
dominican republic:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.