Driving in Mexico vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
When comparing the driving practices in Mexico and Sweden, notable contrasts emerge that are vital for ensuring road safety abroad. From lane markings and speed limits to traffic regulations and alcohol policies, understanding these distinctions can enhance your driving experience. This comprehensive analysis highlights essential guidelines for navigating the roads in both countries effectively.
Lanes
| Mexico | 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; sometimes allows other forms of public transportation. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or specific to the city regulations. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Mainly in urban areas for bicycles. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. | 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
mexico:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
mexico:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
mexico:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
mexico:
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
mexico:
Reserved for buses; sometimes allows other forms of public transportation.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
mexico:
Labeled 'BUS' or specific to the city regulations.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
mexico:
Mainly in urban areas for bicycles.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
mexico:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
mexico:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
mexico:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
mexico:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Mexico | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30-50 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 | 70-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 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 | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, particularly in high traffic areas | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
mexico:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
mexico:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
mexico:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
mexico:
70-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
mexico:
100-120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
mexico:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
mexico:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
mexico:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
mexico:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
mexico:
Yes, particularly in high traffic areas
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Mexico | 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 Mexico | 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 | Spanish; 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 signs with red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
mexico:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
mexico:
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
mexico:
Not used in Mexico
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
mexico:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
mexico:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
mexico:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
mexico:
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
mexico:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
mexico:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
mexico:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
mexico:
Spanish; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
mexico:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
mexico:
Triangular signs with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Mexico | 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 | Generally permitted unless prohibited by signs, or where visibility is limited | 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
mexico:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
mexico:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
mexico:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
mexico:
Generally permitted unless prohibited by signs, or where visibility is limited
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
mexico:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
mexico:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Mexico | 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 recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Varies by state; proof may be required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | 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
mexico:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
mexico:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
mexico:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
mexico:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
mexico:
Varies by state; proof may be required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
mexico:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
mexico:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
mexico:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Mexico | 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 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 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
mexico:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
mexico:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
mexico:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
mexico:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
mexico:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
mexico:
Moderate use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
mexico:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
mexico:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
mexico:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Mexico | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.04% | 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 in urban areas, especially during holidays | 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 | Can result in license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
mexico:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
mexico:
0.04%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
mexico:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
mexico:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
mexico:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
mexico:
Common in urban areas, especially during holidays
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
mexico:
Can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
mexico:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
mexico:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Mexico | 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
mexico:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
mexico:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
mexico:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
mexico:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
mexico:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
mexico:
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
| Mexico | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 066 or 911 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or 'Angeles Verdes' | 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
mexico:
911
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
mexico:
066 or 911
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
mexico:
Check with your insurance provider or 'Angeles Verdes'
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
mexico:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
mexico:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Mexico | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; $40 to $200, points on license | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Varies, up to $50, points in some states | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Varies; can lead to significant fines | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies; can be substantial, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; may be paid to officers directly, although formal procedure is preferred | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; system improvements for online payments | 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
mexico:
Varies; $40 to $200, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
mexico:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
mexico:
Varies, up to $50, points in some states
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
mexico:
Varies; can lead to significant fines
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
mexico:
Varies; can be substantial, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
mexico:
Common; may be paid to officers directly, although formal procedure is preferred
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
mexico:
Varies; system improvements for online payments
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
mexico:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
mexico:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.