Driving in Jamaica vs Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When exploring the diverse road rules between Jamaica and Sweden, notable disparities emerge. Jamaica drives on the left, while Sweden adheres to the right. Speed limits, lane usage, and signaling methods differ significantly, impacting overall road safety. Understanding these variations is crucial for a secure driving experience abroad.
Lanes
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the center of the road on two-way streets. | 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 | Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Bridge crossings | Railroad crossings |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Primarily for buses in certain urban areas | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Marked with signs indicating bus lane | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Occasional with bicycle symbols | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
jamaica:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the center of the road on two-way streets.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
jamaica:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
jamaica:
Marks the centerline; passing permitted with caution.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
jamaica:
No
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
jamaica:
Yes, when safe and oncoming traffic is clear
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
jamaica:
Bridge crossings
sweden:
Railroad crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
jamaica:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Primarily for buses in certain urban areas
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Marked with signs indicating bus lane
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
jamaica:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
jamaica:
Shared with the road, cyclists must keep to the left
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
jamaica:
Occasional with bicycle symbols
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
jamaica:
Not applicable
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
jamaica:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs or road markings
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 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 | Fixed speed limits via signs | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common for immediate traffic violations | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
70 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
jamaica:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
jamaica:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
jamaica:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
jamaica:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
jamaica:
Fixed speed limits via signs
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
jamaica:
Common for immediate traffic violations
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1] | Amber | Yellow |
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing | Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in Jamaica | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Typically allowed in situations to avert danger | Only in cases to avoid accidents |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Discouraged near hospitals and schools | Use is generally discouraged. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Rarely enforced | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To signal intentions, often a warning | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not widely restricted | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, especially if indicator lights fail | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles | 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 | Often triangular with red borders | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
jamaica:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
jamaica:
Proceed with caution; confirm no vehicles are crossing
sweden:
Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
jamaica:
Not used in Jamaica
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
jamaica:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
jamaica:
Typically allowed in situations to avert danger
sweden:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
jamaica:
Discouraged near hospitals and schools
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
jamaica:
Rarely enforced
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions, often a warning
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
jamaica:
Not widely restricted
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
jamaica:
Yes, especially if indicator lights fail
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
jamaica:
More common in older or malfunctioning vehicles
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
jamaica:
English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
jamaica:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
jamaica:
Often triangular with red borders
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | Not generally allowed. |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless signs prohibit it | 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
jamaica:
Prohibited
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
jamaica:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
jamaica:
Yield to oncoming traffic
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
jamaica:
Allowed unless signs prohibit it
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
jamaica:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
jamaica:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Jamaica | 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 with International Driving Permit | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted with International Driving Permit | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required; proof via certificate | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not consistently used | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
jamaica:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
jamaica:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
jamaica:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
jamaica:
Annual inspection required; proof via certificate
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
jamaica:
Not consistently used
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To signal intentions or warnings | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Informally regulated | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Encouraged only to avert danger | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Moderate use; more common than in some countries | Rarely used except for emergencies. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over and stop if safe | Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Sirens and flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
jamaica:
To signal intentions or warnings
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
jamaica:
Informally regulated
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
jamaica:
Common practice
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
jamaica:
Discouraged
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
jamaica:
Encouraged only to avert danger
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
jamaica:
Moderate use; more common than in some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
jamaica:
Pedestrians have right of way at crossings
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
jamaica:
Pull over and stop if safe
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
jamaica:
Sirens and flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited | Zero tolerance; 0.00%. |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check for impairment warnings | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Occasionally conducted | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies with severity and past offenses | Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe breaches | Possible for high levels or repeat offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in fines and license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
jamaica:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
jamaica:
0.03%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
jamaica:
Zero tolerance; underage drinking and driving prohibited
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
jamaica:
Zero tolerance for driving under drug influence
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
jamaica:
Check for impairment warnings
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
jamaica:
Occasionally conducted
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
jamaica:
Varies with severity and past offenses
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
jamaica:
Possible for severe breaches
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
jamaica:
Can result in fines and license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
| Priority: Inside | Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if taking an immediate exit | 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 immediate or second exit | Use for first exit or straight. |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for other exits | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
jamaica:
Yield to the right; vehicles in the roundabout have priority
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
jamaica:
Keep to the left; do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
jamaica:
Signal if taking an immediate exit
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
jamaica:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
jamaica:
Use for immediate or second exit
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
jamaica:
Use for other exits
sweden:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 or 110 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 119 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Depends on provider; often through insurance | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
jamaica:
119 or 110
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
jamaica:
119
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
jamaica:
Depends on provider; often through insurance
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
jamaica:
Recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
jamaica:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Jamaica | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Subject to fines and points | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible for minor fines | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days | Typically within 30 days to pay. |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Must be paid promptly to avoid complications | Same as residents; must be paid. |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible for unresolved fines | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
jamaica:
Varies; penalties increase with speed over limit
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
jamaica:
Severe penalties; includes fines and possible imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
jamaica:
Mandatory; fines apply for non-compliance
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
jamaica:
Prohibited without hands-free; fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
jamaica:
Subject to fines and points
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
jamaica:
Possible for minor fines
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
jamaica:
Enforced strictly; usually within 30 days
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
jamaica:
Must be paid promptly to avoid complications
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
jamaica:
Possible for unresolved fines
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.