Driving in India vs. Sweden: Key Differences for Safety
When traversing the roads of India and Sweden, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that significantly impact their journeys. From varying speed limits and lane usage to unique traffic signals, understanding these contrasts is crucial for ensuring safety. Discover the essential differences that can enhance your driving experience abroad and keep you secure on international roads.
Lanes
| India | 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 | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, but only when safe. | 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 | Yes, in some metropolitan areas | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses; usage time restrictions may apply. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often marked with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes, in some areas | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
india:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
india:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
india:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
india:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
india:
No
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
india:
Yes, but only when safe.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
india:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
india:
Yes, in some metropolitan areas
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
india:
Reserved for buses; usage time restrictions may apply.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
india:
Labeled 'BUS'; often marked with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
india:
Yes, in some areas
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
india:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
india:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| India | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-70 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-120 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 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 | Yes, in major cities and highways | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, commonly used | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
india:
40-50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
india:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
india:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
india:
60-70 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
india:
80-120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
india:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
india:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
india:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
india:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
india:
Yes, in major cities and highways
sweden:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
india:
Yes, commonly used
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| India | 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 India | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary and excessive 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 | More common due to varied vehicle conditions | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English and local languages; 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 border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
india:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
india:
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
india:
Not used in India
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
india:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
india:
Unnecessary and excessive use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
india:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
india:
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
india:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
india:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
india:
More common due to varied vehicle conditions
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
india:
English and local languages; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
india:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
india:
Triangular with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| India | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited unless otherwise stated by a sign | Not generally allowed. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted; always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians | 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 in designated areas; 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
india:
Prohibited unless otherwise stated by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
india:
Permitted; always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
india:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
india:
Allowed in designated areas; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
india:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
india:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| India | 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 required with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | PUC sticker displayed on 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
india:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
india:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
india:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
india:
Mandatory; proof required with Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
india:
PUC sticker displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
india:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
india:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| India | 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 | Discouraged, but common due to heavy traffic and mixed vehicle conditions | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Frequent use compared to other countries | Rarely used except for emergencies. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at marked and zebra crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Move to the side and allow emergency vehicles to pass | 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
india:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
india:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
india:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
india:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
india:
Discouraged, but common due to heavy traffic and mixed vehicle conditions
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
india:
Frequent use compared to other countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
india:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked and zebra crossings
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
india:
Move to the side and allow emergency vehicles to pass
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
india:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| India | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.03% | 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 in cities; checkpoints are regularly used | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by state; fines 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 and fines | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
india:
0.03%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
india:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
india:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
india:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
india:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
india:
Common in cities; checkpoints are regularly used
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
india:
Varies by state; fines can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
india:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
india:
Can result in license suspension and fines
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| India | 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 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
india:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
india:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
india:
Signal if turning upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
india:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
india:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
india:
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
| India | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Varies by state; local helpline numbers may apply | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Commonly through insurance providers or automotive associations | 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: Traffic Police
india:
Varies by state; local helpline numbers may apply
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
india:
Commonly through insurance providers or automotive associations
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
india:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
india:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| India | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, 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 | ₹500 to ₹1,000, points in some states | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, points in some states | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | ₹500 to ₹2,000, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; fines often paid at the time of the offense | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15 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
india:
Varies; ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
india:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
india:
₹500 to ₹1,000, points in some states
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
india:
₹1,000 to ₹5,000, points in some states
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
india:
₹500 to ₹2,000, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
india:
Common; fines often paid at the time of the offense
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
india:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
india:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
india:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.