Driving in Ivory Coast vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
Discover the intriguing contrasts between driving regulations in Ivory Coast and Sweden. From lane markings to speed limits, these nations exhibit significant variations in road etiquette and safety measures. Understanding these key distinctions is essential for ensuring a secure driving experience while navigating unfamiliar territories. Get ready to explore the road rules that govern each country!
Lanes
| Ivory coast | 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. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Typically 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. |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles, but limited in urban areas. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and possibly colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ivory coast:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
ivory coast:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
ivory coast:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
ivory coast:
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.
Bus Lanes: Usage
ivory coast:
Typically reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
ivory coast:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
ivory coast:
Exclusive for bicycles, but limited in urban areas.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
ivory coast:
Bicycle symbols and possibly colored pavement.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ivory coast:
Not applicable
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ivory coast:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ivory coast:
Not applicable
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Ivory coast | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 110 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 110 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 | Not applicable | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, for some infractions. | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
ivory coast:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ivory coast:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
ivory coast:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ivory coast:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ivory coast:
110 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
ivory coast:
110 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ivory coast:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ivory coast:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ivory coast:
Not applicable
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ivory coast:
Yes, for some infractions.
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Ivory coast | 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 Ivory Coast | 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 | 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 | French; 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]
ivory coast:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
ivory coast:
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
ivory coast:
Not used in Ivory Coast
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
ivory coast:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ivory coast:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
ivory coast:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
ivory coast:
To warn other drivers of your presence
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
ivory coast:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
ivory coast:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
ivory coast:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
ivory coast:
French; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
ivory coast:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
ivory coast:
Triangular with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Ivory coast | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Allowed unless prohibited by a sign | 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 | Varies by locality; 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
ivory coast:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
ivory coast:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
ivory coast:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
ivory coast:
Varies by locality; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
ivory coast:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
ivory coast:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Ivory coast | 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 | Annual vehicle inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended but not mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended but not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
ivory coast:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ivory coast:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
ivory coast:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
ivory coast:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ivory coast:
Annual vehicle inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ivory coast:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ivory coast:
Recommended but not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ivory coast:
Recommended but not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Ivory coast | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards | 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 | More 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 side 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
ivory coast:
To warn of hazards
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
ivory coast:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
ivory coast:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
ivory coast:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
ivory coast:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
ivory coast:
More frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
ivory coast:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ivory coast:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
ivory coast:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Ivory coast | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.04% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance applies | 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 | Less common; checkpoints used in some areas | 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
ivory coast:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
ivory coast:
0.04%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
ivory coast:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance applies
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
ivory coast:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
ivory coast:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
ivory coast:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
ivory coast:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
ivory coast:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
ivory coast:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Ivory coast | 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
ivory coast:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
ivory coast:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
ivory coast:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
ivory coast:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
ivory coast:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
ivory coast:
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
| Ivory coast | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 170 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 171 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | 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
ivory coast:
170
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ivory coast:
171
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ivory coast:
Check with your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ivory coast:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ivory coast:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Ivory coast | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines may apply, 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 | Varies, points may apply | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines may apply, points may apply | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines may apply, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for some infractions | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically stipulated | 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
ivory coast:
Varies; fines may apply, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
ivory coast:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ivory coast:
Varies, points may apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
ivory coast:
Fines may apply, points may apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ivory coast:
Fines may apply, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
ivory coast:
Possible for some infractions
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
ivory coast:
Varies; typically stipulated
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
ivory coast:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
ivory coast:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.