Driving in Guatemala vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
Traveling between Guatemala and Sweden reveals intriguing contrasts in road regulations and driving practices. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and the treatment of cyclists and buses. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure and responsible journey in each country, making your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.
Lanes
| Guatemala | 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 | 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 | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with vehicles in some areas. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Varies by location. | 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
guatemala:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
guatemala:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
guatemala:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
guatemala:
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
guatemala:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
guatemala:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
guatemala:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
guatemala:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
guatemala:
Shared with vehicles in some areas.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
guatemala:
Varies by location.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
guatemala:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
guatemala:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
guatemala:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Guatemala | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30-50 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 | Limited use | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common practice | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
guatemala:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
guatemala:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
guatemala:
70 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
guatemala:
70 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
guatemala:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
guatemala:
90 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
guatemala:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
guatemala:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
guatemala:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
guatemala:
Limited use
sweden:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
guatemala:
Yes, common practice
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Guatemala | 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 Guatemala | 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 | 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]
guatemala:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
guatemala:
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
guatemala:
Not used in Guatemala
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
guatemala:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
guatemala:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
guatemala:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
guatemala:
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
guatemala:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
guatemala:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
guatemala:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
guatemala:
Spanish; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
guatemala:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
guatemala:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Guatemala | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Varies, check local signs for permission | 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 | Varies by location; 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
guatemala:
Varies, check local signs for permission
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
guatemala:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
guatemala:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
guatemala:
Varies by location; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
guatemala:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
guatemala:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Guatemala | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended | 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 | Mandatory; proof may be required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the vehicle | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
guatemala:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
guatemala:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
guatemala:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
guatemala:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
guatemala:
Mandatory; proof may be required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
guatemala:
Displayed on the vehicle
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
guatemala:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
guatemala:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Guatemala | 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 | More 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
guatemala:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
guatemala:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
guatemala:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
guatemala:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
guatemala:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
guatemala:
More frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
guatemala:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
guatemala:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
guatemala:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Guatemala | 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, especially at night | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by locality; can be 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
guatemala:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
guatemala:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
guatemala:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
guatemala:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
guatemala:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
guatemala:
Common, especially at night
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
guatemala:
Varies by locality; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
guatemala:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
guatemala:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Guatemala | 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
guatemala:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
guatemala:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
guatemala:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
guatemala:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
guatemala:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
guatemala:
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
| Guatemala | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 122 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 110 | 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 | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
guatemala:
122
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
guatemala:
110
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
guatemala:
Check with your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
guatemala:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
guatemala:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Guatemala | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; 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 | Fines imposed | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines imposed | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Substantial fines | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes, often required | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; check with local authorities | 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
guatemala:
Varies; substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
guatemala:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
guatemala:
Fines imposed
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
guatemala:
Fines imposed
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
guatemala:
Substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
guatemala:
Yes, often required
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
guatemala:
Varies; check with local authorities
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
guatemala:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
guatemala:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.