Driving in Lebanon vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When navigating the roads of Lebanon and Sweden, drivers encounter notable distinctions in regulations and practices. From lane markings and speed limits to traffic signals and penalties, understanding these variations is essential for ensuring safe journeys abroad. Explore the key contrasts that define the driving experience in these two unique countries.
Lanes
| Lebanon | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Typically used to mark out zones where parking is prohibited. | 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 a separation line in some areas. | 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: Presence | No | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | N/A | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| 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. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
lebanon:
Typically used to mark out zones where parking is prohibited.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
lebanon:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
lebanon:
Used as a separation line in some areas.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
lebanon:
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: Presence
lebanon:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
lebanon:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
lebanon:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
lebanon:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
lebanon:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
lebanon:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
lebanon:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
lebanon:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
lebanon:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Lebanon | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-40 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 50-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 50-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 50-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 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 | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
lebanon:
40-50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
lebanon:
30-40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
lebanon:
50-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
lebanon:
50-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
lebanon:
50-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
lebanon:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
lebanon:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
lebanon:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
lebanon:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
lebanon:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
lebanon:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Lebanon | 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 Lebanon | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Avoid unnecessary use in urban 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 | Arabic and 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 | Triangle-shaped with red borders | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
lebanon:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
lebanon:
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
lebanon:
Not used in Lebanon
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
lebanon:
Signal when entering and exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
lebanon:
Avoid unnecessary use in urban areas
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
lebanon:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
lebanon:
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
lebanon:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
lebanon:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
lebanon:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
lebanon:
Arabic and French; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
lebanon:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
lebanon:
Triangle-shaped with red borders
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Lebanon | 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 a sign | 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
lebanon:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
lebanon:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
lebanon:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
lebanon:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
lebanon:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
lebanon:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Lebanon | 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, annual inspection required | 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 | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
lebanon:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
lebanon:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
lebanon:
International Driving Permit required
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
lebanon:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
lebanon:
Yes, annual inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
lebanon:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
lebanon:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
lebanon:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Lebanon | 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 | Horn usage is more frequent 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
lebanon:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
lebanon:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
lebanon:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
lebanon:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
lebanon:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
lebanon:
Horn usage is more frequent compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
lebanon:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
lebanon:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
lebanon:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Lebanon | 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 through checkpoints | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial for violations | 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
lebanon:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
lebanon:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
lebanon:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
lebanon:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
lebanon:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
lebanon:
Common through checkpoints
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
lebanon:
Substantial for violations
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
lebanon:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
lebanon:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Lebanon | 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 when preparing to enter | 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
lebanon:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
lebanon:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
lebanon:
Signal when preparing to enter
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
lebanon:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
lebanon:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
lebanon:
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
| Lebanon | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 112 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Varies; consult your insurance provider | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
lebanon:
112
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
lebanon:
Varies; consult your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
lebanon:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
lebanon:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Lebanon | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; may lead to substantial fines | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Fines and potential incarceration | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Mandatory for all passengers | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines imposed for mobile use without hands-free | 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; often paid at stations | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Usually within 15-30 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
lebanon:
Varies; may lead to substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
lebanon:
Fines and potential incarceration
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
lebanon:
Mandatory for all passengers
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
lebanon:
Fines imposed for mobile use without hands-free
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
lebanon:
Substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
lebanon:
Possible; often paid at stations
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
lebanon:
Usually within 15-30 days
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
lebanon:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
lebanon:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.