Monaco vs Sweden: Driving Differences You Need to Know
When exploring the unique road regulations of Monaco and Sweden, drivers will encounter fascinating contrasts in traffic norms and safety measures. From lane markings and speed limits to signaling practices and penalties, understanding these distinctions is essential for a secure driving experience abroad. Prepare for a journey that highlights the diverse driving landscapes of these two countries.
Lanes
| Monaco | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used in Monaco. | 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 | Not commonly used in Monaco. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed if traffic conditions permit. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Presence | Limited, mostly on main roads | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Predominantly for buses. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled ‘BUS’. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Shared with small vehicles or buses. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols or shared lane markings. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Standard speed limits apply | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
monaco:
Not commonly used in Monaco.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
monaco:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
monaco:
Not commonly used in Monaco.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
monaco:
Allowed if traffic conditions permit.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Presence
monaco:
Limited, mostly on main roads
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
monaco:
Predominantly for buses.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
monaco:
Labeled ‘BUS’.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
monaco:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
monaco:
Shared with small vehicles or buses.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
monaco:
Bicycle symbols or shared lane markings.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
monaco:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
monaco:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
monaco:
Standard speed limits apply
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Monaco | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | N/A | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | N/A | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | N/A | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | N/A | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | N/A | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | N/A | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Standard speed limits apply | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common for traffic violations | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
monaco:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
monaco:
N/A
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
monaco:
N/A
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
monaco:
N/A
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
monaco:
N/A
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
monaco:
N/A
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
monaco:
N/A
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
monaco:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
monaco:
Standard speed limits apply
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
monaco:
Common for traffic violations
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Monaco | 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 | Rare in Monaco, usually not used | 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 | 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 border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
monaco:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
monaco:
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
monaco:
Rare in Monaco, usually not used
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
monaco:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
monaco:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
monaco:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
monaco:
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
monaco:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
monaco:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
monaco:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
monaco:
French; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
monaco:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
monaco:
Triangle-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Monaco | 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 | Permitted where indicated; check for 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
monaco:
Prohibited
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
monaco:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
monaco:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
monaco:
Permitted where indicated; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
monaco:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
monaco:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Monaco | 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 for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Required annually; proof may be required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the vehicle windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
monaco:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
monaco:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
monaco:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
monaco:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
monaco:
Required annually; proof may be required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
monaco:
Displayed on the vehicle windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
monaco:
Recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
monaco:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Monaco | 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 | 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 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
monaco:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
monaco:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
monaco:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
monaco:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
monaco:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
monaco:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
monaco:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
monaco:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
monaco:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Monaco | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 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 frequently | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial; varies by severity | 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
monaco:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
monaco:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
monaco:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
monaco:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
monaco:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
monaco:
Can be substantial; varies by severity
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
monaco:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
monaco:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Monaco | 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
monaco:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
monaco:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
monaco:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
monaco:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
monaco:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
monaco:
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
| Monaco | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 or 18 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Local police also available on 911 using GSM | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Available through service providers or insurance | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
monaco:
112 or 18
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
monaco:
Local police also available on 911 using GSM
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
monaco:
Available through service providers or insurance
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
monaco:
Recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
monaco:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Monaco | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines are substantial | 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 | Fine applies if not used | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Substantial fines issued | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | High fines, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; varies | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically must be settled soon | 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
monaco:
Varies; fines are substantial
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
monaco:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
monaco:
Fine applies if not used
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
monaco:
Substantial fines issued
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
monaco:
High fines, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
monaco:
Possible; varies
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
monaco:
Varies; typically must be settled soon
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
monaco:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
monaco:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.