Driving in Maldives vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
Discover the fascinating contrasts in road regulations between the Maldives and Sweden, two unique driving environments. While the Maldives adheres to left-side driving and has specific overtaking rules, Sweden emphasizes right-side navigation and advanced traffic management systems. This comparison highlights essential safety practices and varying speed limits, ensuring you navigate these distinct terrains confidently.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in maldives is the Right Side of the road
96
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in maldives is 96
0.908 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for maldives is 0.908 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Maldives | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right | |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing 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 | Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Left | No | Yes | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, when safe and legal. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. | |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. | |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes | |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. | |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | May be designated with road signs or markings. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Minimal | Yes | |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits. | Exclusive for bicycles. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Usually not specifically marked in many areas. | 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. |
Driving Side
maldives:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
maldives:
Used in certain situations, traditionally marks the center of the road where crossing is prohibited.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
maldives:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
maldives:
Often used on the edge of the road or for other specific purposes in the Maldives.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
maldives:
No
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
maldives:
Yes, when safe and legal.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
maldives:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
maldives:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
maldives:
Reserved primarily for buses; check local regulations.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
maldives:
May be designated with road signs or markings.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
maldives:
Minimal
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
maldives:
Cyclists generally use the main road where space permits.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
maldives:
Usually not specifically marked in many areas.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
maldives:
Not applicable
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
maldives:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
maldives:
Not applicable
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
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| Maldives | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30 km/h | 30-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| 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 | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | Not applicable | 90-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | Not applicable | 90-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | Not applicable | 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 | Common | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
maldives:
30 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
maldives:
25 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
maldives:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
maldives:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
maldives:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
maldives:
Not applicable
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
maldives:
Not applicable
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
maldives:
Not applicable
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
maldives:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
maldives:
Not applicable
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
maldives:
Common
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
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| Maldives | 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 in Maldives | Not common in Sweden. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. | |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies | Only in cases to avoid accidents | |
| 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 | Dhivehi and 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 | Country-specific shapes and colors | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
maldives:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
maldives:
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
maldives:
Not commonly used in Maldives
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
maldives:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
maldives:
Allowed, but discouraged for non-emergencies
sweden:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
maldives:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
maldives:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
maldives:
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
maldives:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
maldives:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
maldives:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
maldives:
Dhivehi and English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
maldives:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
maldives:
Country-specific shapes and colors
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
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| Maldives | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless signed | 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 | Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated | Allowed except where prohibited by signs. | |
| Special Turn Lanes | Limited, mainly at main intersections | Yes, marked with arrows. | |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
maldives:
Not allowed unless signed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
maldives:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
maldives:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
maldives:
Typically allowed unless otherwise indicated
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
maldives:
Limited, mainly at main intersections
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
maldives:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Maldives | 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 | Periodic checks required | Annual inspection required. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Usually displayed on the vehicle | Proof may be required to be shown. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory. | |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
maldives:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
maldives:
Accepted with International Driving Permit
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
maldives:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
maldives:
Periodic checks required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
maldives:
Usually displayed on the vehicle
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
maldives:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
maldives:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
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| Maldives | 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 | 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 | Less 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 left 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
maldives:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
maldives:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
maldives:
Common practice
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
maldives:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
maldives:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
maldives:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
maldives:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
maldives:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
maldives:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Discover the fascinating contrasts in road regulations between the Maldives and Sweden, two unique driving environments. While the Maldives adheres to left-side driving and has specific overtaking rules, Sweden emphasizes right-side navigation and advanced traffic management systems. This comparison highlights essential safety practices and varying speed limits, ensuring you navigate these distinct terrains confidently.
Alcohol
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| Maldives | 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 | Less common | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | 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 | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
maldives:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
maldives:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
maldives:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
maldives:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
maldives:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
maldives:
Less common
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
maldives:
Fines can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
maldives:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
maldives:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
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| Maldives | 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 | Appropriate lanes as per signage | Use for first exit or straight. | |
| Lane Usage: Left | Appropriate lanes as per signage | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
maldives:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
maldives:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
maldives:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
maldives:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
maldives:
Appropriate lanes as per signage
sweden:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Maldives | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 | 112 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local police for traffic issues | 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
maldives:
119
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
maldives:
Contact local police for traffic issues
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
maldives:
Check with your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
maldives:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
maldives:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
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| Maldives | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines start from MVR 750 | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe penalties including license suspension | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines apply for non-compliance | SEK 1500, points on license. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for 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 for minor offenses | Common; fines can be issued directly. | |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within a specified time | 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
maldives:
Varies; fines start from MVR 750
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
maldives:
Severe penalties including license suspension
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
maldives:
Fines apply for non-compliance
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
maldives:
Fines for use without hands-free
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
maldives:
Substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
maldives:
Possible for minor offenses
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
maldives:
Varies; typically within a specified time
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
maldives:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
maldives:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.