Driving Differences: Indonesia vs. Sweden Explained
Welcome to our insightful comparison of road regulations between Indonesia and Sweden. Discover how these two countries diverge in their driving customs, from lane usage and speed restrictions to traffic signals and penalties. Understanding these distinctions is essential for ensuring a secure and compliant journey abroad.
Lanes
| Indonesia | 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 | 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 specific vehicles. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with specific signage. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Primarily in major cities, exclusive for bicycles. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| 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
indonesia:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
indonesia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
indonesia:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
indonesia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
indonesia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
indonesia:
Yes
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
indonesia:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
indonesia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes specific vehicles.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
indonesia:
Labeled with specific signage.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
indonesia:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
indonesia:
Primarily in major cities, exclusive for bicycles.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
indonesia:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
indonesia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
indonesia:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Indonesia | 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 | 50-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 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 | Common | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
indonesia:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
indonesia:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
indonesia:
50-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
indonesia:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
indonesia:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
indonesia:
80 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
indonesia:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
indonesia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
indonesia:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
indonesia:
Common
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Indonesia | 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 Indonesia | 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 | Indonesian; 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]
indonesia:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
indonesia:
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
indonesia:
Not used in Indonesia
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
indonesia:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
indonesia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
indonesia:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
indonesia:
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
indonesia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
indonesia:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
indonesia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
indonesia:
Indonesian; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
indonesia:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
indonesia:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Indonesia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Forbidden unless a sign permits it | 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 | Normally permitted 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
indonesia:
Forbidden unless a sign permits it
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
indonesia:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
indonesia:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
indonesia:
Normally permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
indonesia:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
indonesia:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Indonesia | 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 required | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, periodic checks required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Evidence of inspection may be displayed | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
indonesia:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
indonesia:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
indonesia:
International Driving Permit required
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
indonesia:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
indonesia:
Yes, periodic checks required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
indonesia:
Evidence of inspection may be displayed
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
indonesia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
indonesia:
Not mandatory but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Indonesia | 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 in traffic | Rarely used except for emergencies. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Give way and make room | 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
indonesia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
indonesia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
indonesia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
indonesia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
indonesia:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
indonesia:
Frequent use in traffic
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
indonesia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
indonesia:
Give way and make room
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
indonesia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Indonesia | 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 | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by region; 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
indonesia:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
indonesia:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
indonesia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
indonesia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
indonesia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
indonesia:
Common
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
indonesia:
Varies by region; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
indonesia:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
indonesia:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Indonesia | 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
indonesia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
indonesia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
indonesia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
indonesia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
indonesia:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
indonesia:
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
| Indonesia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 or 110 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Check local emergency numbers | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory in case of breakdown | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended for safety | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
indonesia:
112 or 110
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
indonesia:
Check local emergency numbers
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
indonesia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
indonesia:
Mandatory in case of breakdown
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
indonesia:
Recommended for safety
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Indonesia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; subject to local laws | 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 | Subject to local laws, fines apply | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply for using a handheld phone while driving | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines apply, enforced rigorously | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; fines can often be paid directly or through banks | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within 14 to 30 days | 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
indonesia:
Varies; subject to local laws
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
indonesia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
indonesia:
Subject to local laws, fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
indonesia:
Fines apply for using a handheld phone while driving
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
indonesia:
Fines apply, enforced rigorously
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
indonesia:
Common; fines can often be paid directly or through banks
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
indonesia:
Varies; typically within 14 to 30 days
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
indonesia:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
indonesia:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.