Driving in Kazakhstan vs. Sweden: Key Differences Unveiled
Discover the driving contrasts between Kazakhstan and Sweden, where road regulations and safety measures vary significantly. From lane markings to speed limits, each country showcases unique practices. Kazakhstan permits overtaking more freely, while Sweden embraces stricter rules on alcohol limits and road etiquette. Navigate these crucial distinctions for a safer journey abroad.
Lanes
| Kazakhstan | 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 | Reserved for buses. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with specific signs and road markings. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Varies by region | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles where present. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
kazakhstan:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
kazakhstan:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
kazakhstan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
kazakhstan:
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
kazakhstan:
Reserved for buses.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
kazakhstan:
Labeled with specific signs and road markings.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
kazakhstan:
Varies by region
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
kazakhstan:
Exclusive for bicycles where present.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
kazakhstan:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
kazakhstan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kazakhstan:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Kazakhstan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 110 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90 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 | Yes | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
kazakhstan:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
kazakhstan:
20 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
kazakhstan:
80-90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
kazakhstan:
70-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
kazakhstan:
70-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
kazakhstan:
110 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
kazakhstan:
90 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
kazakhstan:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
kazakhstan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
kazakhstan:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
kazakhstan:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Kazakhstan | 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 Kazakhstan | 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 | Kazakh and Russian; 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]
kazakhstan:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
kazakhstan:
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
kazakhstan:
Not used in Kazakhstan
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
kazakhstan:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
kazakhstan:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
kazakhstan:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
kazakhstan:
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
kazakhstan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
kazakhstan:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
kazakhstan:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
kazakhstan:
Kazakh and Russian; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
kazakhstan:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
kazakhstan:
Triangular with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Kazakhstan | 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 | 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
kazakhstan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
kazakhstan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
kazakhstan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
kazakhstan:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
kazakhstan:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
kazakhstan:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Kazakhstan | 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; International Driving Permit may be recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted; International Driving Permit may be recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory annual vehicle inspection | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
kazakhstan:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
kazakhstan:
Accepted; International Driving Permit may be recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
kazakhstan:
Accepted; International Driving Permit may be recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
kazakhstan:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
kazakhstan:
Mandatory annual vehicle inspection
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
kazakhstan:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
kazakhstan:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
kazakhstan:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Kazakhstan | 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 | Moderate use | 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 right 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
kazakhstan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
kazakhstan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
kazakhstan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
kazakhstan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
kazakhstan:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
kazakhstan:
Moderate use
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
kazakhstan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
kazakhstan:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
kazakhstan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Kazakhstan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 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; 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
kazakhstan:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
kazakhstan:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
kazakhstan:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
kazakhstan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
kazakhstan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
kazakhstan:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
kazakhstan:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
kazakhstan:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
kazakhstan:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Kazakhstan | 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
kazakhstan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
kazakhstan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
kazakhstan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
kazakhstan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
kazakhstan:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
kazakhstan:
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
| Kazakhstan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Call 102 | 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 | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
kazakhstan:
Call 102
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
kazakhstan:
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
kazakhstan:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
kazakhstan:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Kazakhstan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be up to several hundred USD equivalent | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, potential imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply for non-use | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply for handheld use while driving | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Substantial fines | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines can also be paid online or via banks | 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
kazakhstan:
Varies; can be up to several hundred USD equivalent
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
kazakhstan:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
kazakhstan:
Fines apply for non-use
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
kazakhstan:
Fines apply for handheld use while driving
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
kazakhstan:
Substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
kazakhstan:
Possible; fines can also be paid online or via banks
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
kazakhstan:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
kazakhstan:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
kazakhstan:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.