Driving in Fiji vs. Sweden: A Safety Comparison
When comparing the road regulations of Fiji and Sweden, notable distinctions emerge that can impact your travel experience. From driving on opposite sides of the road to varying speed limits and unique lane usage, understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring safe and responsible travel. Equip yourself with this essential knowledge before hitting the road abroad!
Lanes
| Fiji | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed. | 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; overtaking permitted. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes | 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 | No | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | 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 | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | N/A | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
fiji:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
fiji:
Centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
fiji:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
fiji:
Centerline on two-way roads; overtaking permitted.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
fiji:
No
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
fiji:
Yes
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
fiji:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
fiji:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
fiji:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
fiji:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
fiji:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
fiji:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
fiji:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
fiji:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
fiji:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Fiji | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 kph | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 kph | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 kph | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70 kph | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60 kph | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 kph | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 kph | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 kph | 80-90 km/h |
| Speed Units | kph | 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; fines can be issued at the scene | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
fiji:
50 kph
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
fiji:
30 kph
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
fiji:
80 kph
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
fiji:
70 kph
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
fiji:
60 kph
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
fiji:
100 kph
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
fiji:
90 kph
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
fiji:
80 kph
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Speed Units
fiji:
kph
sweden:
km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
fiji:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
fiji:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
fiji:
Yes; fines can be issued at the scene
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Fiji | 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 Fiji | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; fines can 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 | 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 | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
fiji:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
fiji:
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
fiji:
Not used in Fiji
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
fiji:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
fiji:
Unnecessary use discouraged; fines can apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
fiji:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
fiji:
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
fiji:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
fiji:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
fiji:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
fiji:
English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
fiji:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
fiji:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Fiji | 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 only where indicated 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
fiji:
Not allowed.
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
fiji:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
fiji:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
fiji:
Allowed only where indicated by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
fiji:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
fiji:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Fiji | 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 vehicle inspections are mandatory | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
fiji:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
fiji:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
fiji:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
fiji:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
fiji:
Annual vehicle inspections are mandatory
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
fiji:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
fiji:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
fiji:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Fiji | 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 | Often used for greetings or to alert pedestrians and other vehicles | 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
fiji:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
fiji:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
fiji:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
fiji:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
fiji:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
fiji:
Often used for greetings or to alert pedestrians and other vehicles
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
fiji:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
fiji:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
fiji:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Fiji | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional 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 frequently used | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial fines, potential loss 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
fiji:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
fiji:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
fiji:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
fiji:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
fiji:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
fiji:
Common; checkpoints frequently used
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
fiji:
Substantial fines, potential loss of license
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
fiji:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
fiji:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Fiji | 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
fiji:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
fiji:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
fiji:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
fiji:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
fiji:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
fiji:
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
| Fiji | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 911 for emergencies; *000 for non-emergencies on mobile phones | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact your insurance provider | 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: General Emergency
fiji:
911
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
fiji:
911 for emergencies; *000 for non-emergencies on mobile phones
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
fiji:
Contact your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
fiji:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
fiji:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Fiji | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; $50 to $500 | 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 | Mandatory; fines can apply | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Use while driving is prohibited, fines apply | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines apply; obey signals | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; fines can be issued at the scene | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within 7 to 14 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
fiji:
Varies; $50 to $500
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
fiji:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
fiji:
Mandatory; fines can apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
fiji:
Use while driving is prohibited, fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
fiji:
Fines apply; obey signals
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
fiji:
Yes; fines can be issued at the scene
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
fiji:
Varies; typically within 7 to 14 days
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
fiji:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
fiji:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.