Driving in Madagascar vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When exploring the roads of Madagascar and Sweden, distinct variations in roadway regulations and driving customs emerge. Key contrasts include speed limits, lane markings, and the use of indicators, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring traveler safety. Understanding these disparities is essential for a secure driving experience in either nation.
Lanes
| Madagascar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Typically not used. | 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 | Not recommended; local conditions may vary. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Stay to the right lane when possible. | Use rightmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Available mainly in urban areas | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved mostly for buses. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | May be marked clearly in major cities. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Sparse | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with vehicles unless marked. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Lane Change: Signal Mandatory | Yes, when possible. | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits are fixed. | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
madagascar:
Typically not used.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
madagascar:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
madagascar:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
madagascar:
Not recommended; local conditions may vary.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
madagascar:
Stay to the right lane when possible.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Available mainly in urban areas
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Reserved mostly for buses.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
May be marked clearly in major cities.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
madagascar:
Sparse
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
madagascar:
Shared with vehicles unless marked.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
madagascar:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Lane Change: Signal Mandatory
madagascar:
Yes, when possible.
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
madagascar:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Speed limits are fixed.
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Madagascar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 60-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60-80 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 | 80-100 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not applicable | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: Speed Cameras | Yes, particularly in urban areas. | Yes |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common. | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
madagascar:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
madagascar:
50 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
60-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
madagascar:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
madagascar:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
madagascar:
Not applicable
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: Speed Cameras
madagascar:
Yes, particularly in urban areas.
sweden:
Yes
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
madagascar:
Yes, common.
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Madagascar | 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 commonly used | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling | Only in cases to avoid accidents |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Excessive use discouraged | Use is generally discouraged. |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | May apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers or signal 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 | Occasionally used, especially in rural areas | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | French and Malagasy | 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 signs with red borders | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
madagascar:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
madagascar:
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
madagascar:
Not commonly used
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
madagascar:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
madagascar:
Yes, often used in crowded areas for signaling
sweden:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
madagascar:
Excessive use discouraged
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
madagascar:
May apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
madagascar:
To warn other drivers or signal overtaking
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
madagascar:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
madagascar:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
madagascar:
Occasionally used, especially in rural areas
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
madagascar:
French and Malagasy
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
madagascar:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
madagascar:
Triangular signs with red borders
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Madagascar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | 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 | Prohibited unless specified otherwise | 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
madagascar:
Prohibited
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
madagascar:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
madagascar:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
madagascar:
Prohibited unless specified otherwise
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
madagascar:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
madagascar:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Madagascar | 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 recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory for all vehicles | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Indication may vary | 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
madagascar:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
madagascar:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
madagascar:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
madagascar:
Mandatory for all vehicles
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
madagascar:
Indication may vary
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Madagascar | 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, particularly 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 | Use is more frequent in urban areas | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Significantly used for communication with other drivers | Rarely used except for emergencies. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the side 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
madagascar:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
madagascar:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
madagascar:
Common practice, particularly in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
madagascar:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
madagascar:
Use is more frequent in urban areas
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
madagascar:
Significantly used for communication with other drivers
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
madagascar:
Pedestrians have right of way at designated crossings
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
madagascar:
Pull over to the side if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
madagascar:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Madagascar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | 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 in urban areas | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | 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 | Results in penalties | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
madagascar:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
madagascar:
0.02%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
madagascar:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
madagascar:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
madagascar:
Common in urban areas
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
madagascar:
Can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
madagascar:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
madagascar:
Results in penalties
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Madagascar | 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 | Not commonly practiced | Signal left if you plan to take the first exit. |
| Signaling: Exiting | Recommended to 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
madagascar:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
madagascar:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
madagascar:
Not commonly practiced
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
madagascar:
Recommended to signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
madagascar:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
madagascar:
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
| Madagascar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 117 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Could vary; commonly police contact | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Varies by provider, public services might be limited | 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: General Emergency
madagascar:
117
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
madagascar:
Could vary; commonly police contact
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
madagascar:
Varies by provider, public services might be limited
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
madagascar:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
madagascar:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Madagascar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines applicable for non-use | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable for use while driving | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Monetary fines applied | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common for minor offenses | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Determined by issuing authority | 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
madagascar:
Varies; typically warning first, then monetary fines
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
madagascar:
Substantial fines, potential imprisonment for high levels
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
madagascar:
Fines applicable for non-use
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
madagascar:
Fines applicable for use while driving
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
madagascar:
Monetary fines applied
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
madagascar:
Common for minor offenses
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
madagascar:
Determined by issuing authority
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
madagascar:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
madagascar:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.