Driving in Ghana vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When navigating the roads of Ghana and Sweden, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that reflect each country's unique approach to road safety. Key variations include speed limits, use of lanes, and penalties for infractions. Understanding these contrasts is essential for ensuring a secure driving experience while abroad.
Lanes
| Ghana | 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 | Generally not advised. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| 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. |
| 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
ghana:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
ghana:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
ghana:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
ghana:
Generally not advised.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
ghana:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ghana:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
ghana:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
ghana:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ghana:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ghana:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ghana:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ghana:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Ghana | 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
ghana:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
ghana:
50 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ghana:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
ghana:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ghana:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ghana:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
ghana:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ghana:
100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ghana:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ghana:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ghana:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Ghana | 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 Ghana | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when 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 | English | Swedish; symbols are standard. |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangular with red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
ghana:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
ghana:
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
ghana:
Not used in Ghana
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
ghana:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ghana:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
ghana:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
ghana:
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
ghana:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
ghana:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
ghana:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
ghana:
English
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
ghana:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
ghana:
Triangular with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Ghana | 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 | 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
ghana:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
ghana:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
ghana:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
ghana:
Prohibited unless indicated
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
ghana:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
ghana:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Ghana | 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 | Mandatory | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on vehicle | 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
ghana:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ghana:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
ghana:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ghana:
Mandatory
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ghana:
Displayed on vehicle
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ghana:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ghana:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Ghana | 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 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
ghana:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
ghana:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
ghana:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
ghana:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
ghana:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ghana:
Frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
ghana:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ghana:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
ghana:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Ghana | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.05% | 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 | Yes, used occasionally | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial | 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
ghana:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
ghana:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
ghana:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
ghana:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
ghana:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
ghana:
Yes, used occasionally
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
ghana:
Substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
ghana:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
ghana:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Ghana | 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
ghana:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
ghana:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
ghana:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
ghana:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
ghana:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
ghana:
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
| Ghana | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 191 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 18555 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
ghana:
191
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ghana:
18555
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ghana:
Check with your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ghana:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ghana:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Ghana | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; moderate to substantial fines | 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 | Moderate fines | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply for holding and using a phone | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies; moderate to substantial fines | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common | 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
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
ghana:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ghana:
Moderate fines
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
ghana:
Fines apply for holding and using a phone
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ghana:
Varies; moderate to substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
ghana:
Common
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
ghana:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
ghana:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
ghana:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.