Driving in Iceland vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When comparing the road regulations and vehicular practices in Iceland and Sweden, several notable distinctions emerge. From lane markings and speed restrictions to the protocols at roundabouts, both nations exhibit unique features that impact traveler safety. Understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring a secure driving experience abroad.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in iceland is the Right Side of the road
93
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in iceland is 93
2.229 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for iceland is 2.229 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Iceland | 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. | |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas | List length: 4 | List length: 5 | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted. | 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. | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes | |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
iceland:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
iceland:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
iceland:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
iceland:
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.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
iceland:
List length: 4
sweden:
List length: 5
Bus Lanes: Usage
iceland:
Reserved for buses; usage by taxis is sometimes permitted.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
iceland:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
iceland:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
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| Iceland | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h on gravel roads | 70-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h on paved roads | 70-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h on paved roads | 70-90 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 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: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
iceland:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
80 km/h on gravel roads
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h on paved roads
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
iceland:
80 km/h on paved roads
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
iceland:
90 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
iceland:
90 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
iceland:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
iceland:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
iceland:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
iceland:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
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| Iceland | 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 | N/A | Not common in Sweden. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting. | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Use is generally discouraged. | |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | N/A | 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 | N/A | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Icelandic; 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 | Triangular with red borders | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
iceland:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
iceland:
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
iceland:
N/A
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
iceland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
iceland:
N/A
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
iceland:
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
iceland:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
iceland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
iceland:
N/A
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
iceland:
Icelandic; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
iceland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
iceland:
Triangular with red borders
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
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| Iceland | 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 | Generally allowed unless prohibited 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
iceland:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
iceland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
iceland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
iceland:
Generally allowed unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
iceland:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
iceland:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Iceland | 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; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. | |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required | Annual inspection required. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | 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
iceland:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
iceland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
iceland:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
iceland:
Annual inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
iceland:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
iceland:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
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| Iceland | 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 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
iceland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
iceland:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
iceland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
iceland:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
iceland:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
iceland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
iceland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
iceland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
iceland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
When comparing the road regulations and vehicular practices in Iceland and Sweden, several notable distinctions emerge. From lane markings and speed restrictions to the protocols at roundabouts, both nations exhibit unique features that impact traveler safety. Understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring a secure driving experience abroad.
Alcohol
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| Iceland | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General 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 | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial penalties can apply | 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 and fine | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
iceland:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
iceland:
0.00% - zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
iceland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
iceland:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
iceland:
Common
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
iceland:
Substantial penalties can apply
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
iceland:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
iceland:
Can result in license suspension and fine
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
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| Iceland | 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 when entering and exiting | Signal left if you plan to take the first exit. | |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal 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
iceland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
iceland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
iceland:
Signal when entering and exiting
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
iceland:
Signal when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
iceland:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
iceland:
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
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| Iceland | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | National Police number 112 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact local towing services or 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 | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
iceland:
National Police number 112
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
iceland:
Contact local towing services or insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
iceland:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
iceland:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
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| Iceland | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense | 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; fines apply | SEK 1500, points on license. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines if found using without hands-free | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly | Common; fines can be issued directly. | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame | 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
iceland:
Varies; fines can be substantial depending on the offense
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
iceland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
iceland:
Mandatory; fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
iceland:
Fines if found using without hands-free
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
iceland:
Fines and points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
iceland:
Possible; fines often need to be paid promptly
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
iceland:
Varies; typically must be paid within specific time frame
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
iceland:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
iceland:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.