Driving in Ireland vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When navigating the roads of Ireland and Sweden, understanding the unique traffic regulations and customs is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include Ireland's left-side driving versus Sweden's right-side approach, diverse speed limits, and traffic signal variations. This comprehensive comparison will equip you with the knowledge needed for secure travels in these distinct regions.
Lanes
| Ireland | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks areas where passing is not allowed. | 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 | Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No, overtake on the right. | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, standard overtaking side. | 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' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| 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
ireland:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ireland:
Marks areas where passing is not allowed.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
ireland:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
ireland:
Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
ireland:
No, overtake on the right.
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
ireland:
Yes, standard overtaking side.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
ireland:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
ireland:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ireland:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ireland:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ireland:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ireland:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Ireland | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-90 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 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 | More common; fines can be issued on the spot. | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
ireland:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ireland:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
ireland:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ireland:
80-90 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ireland:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
ireland:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ireland:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ireland:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ireland:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ireland:
More common; fines can be issued on the spot.
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Ireland | 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 | Indicates the light is about to turn green. | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas. | 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 | 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 | Triangles with red borders | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
ireland:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
ireland:
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
ireland:
Indicates the light is about to turn green.
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
ireland:
Signal when entering and exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ireland:
Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas.
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
ireland:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
ireland:
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
ireland:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
ireland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
ireland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
ireland:
English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
ireland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
ireland:
Triangles with red borders
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Ireland | 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 | 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
ireland:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
ireland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
ireland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
ireland:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
ireland:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
ireland:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Ireland | 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 | Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required. | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
ireland:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
ireland:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ireland:
Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required.
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ireland:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ireland:
Required
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Ireland | 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
ireland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
ireland:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
ireland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
ireland:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
ireland:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ireland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
ireland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ireland:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
ireland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Ireland | 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 | Random breath testing is common. | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies; 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
ireland:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
ireland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
ireland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
ireland:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
ireland:
Random breath testing is common.
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
ireland:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
ireland:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
ireland:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Ireland | 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
ireland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
ireland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
ireland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
ireland:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
ireland:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
ireland:
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
| Ireland | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 or 999 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 112 or 999 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Required | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
ireland:
112 or 999
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ireland:
112 or 999
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ireland:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ireland:
Required
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Ireland | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; €80 to €120, and 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 | €60 fine and two penalty points | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | €60 fine and three penalty points | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | €80 and three penalty points | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines can be issued on the spot | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 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
ireland:
Varies; €80 to €120, and points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
ireland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ireland:
€60 fine and two penalty points
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
ireland:
€60 fine and three penalty points
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ireland:
€80 and three penalty points
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
ireland:
Possible; fines can be issued on the spot
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
ireland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
ireland:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
ireland:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.