Driving in Hong Kong vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
Discover the intriguing contrasts in road regulations and practices between Hong Kong and Sweden. From the sides of the road on which vehicles operate to unique speed limits and traffic signaling, this comparison highlights significant variations that influence driving safety. Whether navigating bustling streets or serene highways, understanding these distinctions ensures a secure journey abroad.
Lanes
| Hong kong | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| 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 Left | Prohibited; left is the normal driving lane | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, overtaking should be done on the right. | 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: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces. | 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
hong kong:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
hong kong:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
hong kong:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
hong kong:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
hong kong:
Prohibited; left is the normal driving lane
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
hong kong:
Yes, overtaking should be done on the right.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
hong kong:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
hong kong:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
hong kong:
Labeled 'BUS ONLY' with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
hong kong:
Bicycle symbols painted on road surfaces.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
hong kong:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
hong kong:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hong kong:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Hong kong | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-50 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-100 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 | 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: On-the- Spot Fines | No; fines are usually sent by mail | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
hong kong:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
hong kong:
30-50 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
hong kong:
70-100 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
hong kong:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
hong kong:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
hong kong:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
hong kong:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
hong kong:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
hong kong:
No; fines are usually sent by mail
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Hong kong | 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 | Used when lights are about to turn green | 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 | Chinese 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 | Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
hong kong:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
hong kong:
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
hong kong:
Used when lights are about to turn green
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
hong kong:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
hong kong:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
hong kong:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
hong kong:
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
hong kong:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
hong kong:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
hong kong:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
hong kong:
Chinese and English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
hong kong:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
hong kong:
Diamond-shaped with yellow or white background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Hong kong | 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 | Permitted unless prohibited by sign | 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
hong kong:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
hong kong:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
hong kong:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
hong kong:
Permitted unless prohibited by sign
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
hong kong:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
hong kong:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Hong kong | 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 | Required annually | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
hong kong:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
hong kong:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
hong kong:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
hong kong:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
hong kong:
Required annually
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
hong kong:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
hong kong:
Recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
hong kong:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Hong kong | 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
hong kong:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
hong kong:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
hong kong:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
hong kong:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
hong kong:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
hong kong:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
hong kong:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
hong kong:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
hong kong:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Hong kong | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 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 used frequently | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | HK$5,000 or more for first offenses | 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
hong kong:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
hong kong:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
hong kong:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
hong kong:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
hong kong:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
hong kong:
Common, checkpoints used frequently
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
hong kong:
HK$5,000 or more for first offenses
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
hong kong:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
hong kong:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Hong kong | 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 left 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
hong kong:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
hong kong:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
hong kong:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
hong kong:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
hong kong:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
hong kong:
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
| Hong kong | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 999 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies; usually contact through 999 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA | 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
hong kong:
999
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
hong kong:
Varies; usually contact through 999
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
hong kong:
Check with your insurance provider or member services like AA
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
hong kong:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Hong kong | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license | 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 | HK$5,000, potential imprisonment | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | HK$2,000, points on license | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | HK$900, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 14 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
hong kong:
Varies; HK$450 to HK$1,000, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
hong kong:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
hong kong:
HK$5,000, potential imprisonment
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
hong kong:
HK$2,000, points on license
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
hong kong:
HK$900, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
hong kong:
Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by mail
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
hong kong:
Varies; typically 14 to 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
hong kong:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
hong kong:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.