Driving in Montenegro vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
Discover the intriguing contrasts in road regulations and driving practices between Montenegro and Sweden. From speed limits to signaling at roundabouts, understanding these variations is vital for ensuring a secure journey. Whether it's the allowed overtaking rules or unique traffic signs, this comparison highlights essential aspects for safe navigation in each country.
Lanes
| Montenegro | 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 | Usually not allowed; adhere to local regulations. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with road signs and pavement markings. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| 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. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
montenegro:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
montenegro:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
montenegro:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
montenegro:
Usually not allowed; adhere to local regulations.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
montenegro:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
montenegro:
Labeled with road signs and pavement markings.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
montenegro:
Not applicable
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
montenegro:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
montenegro:
Not applicable
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Montenegro | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 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 | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 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 | Not applicable | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, fines can be imposed on the spot | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
montenegro:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
montenegro:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
montenegro:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
montenegro:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
montenegro:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
montenegro:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
montenegro:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
montenegro:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
montenegro:
Not applicable
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
montenegro:
Yes, fines can be imposed on the spot
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Montenegro | 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 Montenegro | 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 | Montenegrin; 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 and white background | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
montenegro:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
montenegro:
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
montenegro:
Not used in Montenegro
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
montenegro:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
montenegro:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
montenegro:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
montenegro:
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
montenegro:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
montenegro:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
montenegro:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
montenegro:
Montenegrin; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
montenegro:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
montenegro:
Triangle-shaped with red border and white background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Montenegro | 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 | Sometimes allowed, 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
montenegro:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
montenegro:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
montenegro:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
montenegro:
Sometimes allowed, check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
montenegro:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
montenegro:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Montenegro | 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 for extended stays | 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 | Yes, periodic inspections 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 | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
montenegro:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
montenegro:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended for extended stays
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
montenegro:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
montenegro:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
montenegro:
Yes, periodic inspections required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
montenegro:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
montenegro:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
montenegro:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Montenegro | 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 | Use common but regulated | 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
montenegro:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
montenegro:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
montenegro:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
montenegro:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
montenegro:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
montenegro:
Use common but regulated
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
montenegro:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
montenegro:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
montenegro:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Montenegro | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.03% | 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 | Common; checkpoints used regularly | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies; 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
montenegro:
0.03%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
montenegro:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
montenegro:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
montenegro:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
montenegro:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
montenegro:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
montenegro:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
montenegro:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
montenegro:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Montenegro | 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
montenegro:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
montenegro:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
montenegro:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
montenegro:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
montenegro:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
montenegro:
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
| Montenegro | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 122 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Available from several organizations; check locally | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
montenegro:
122
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
montenegro:
Available from several organizations; check locally
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
montenegro:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
montenegro:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Montenegro | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be up to €1,200 for severe offenses | 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 | Fines apply, amount varies | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply, amount varies | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines apply, amount varies | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common for minor offenses | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Usually within 8 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
montenegro:
Varies; can be up to €1,200 for severe offenses
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
montenegro:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
montenegro:
Fines apply, amount varies
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
montenegro:
Fines apply, amount varies
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
montenegro:
Fines apply, amount varies
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
montenegro:
Common for minor offenses
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
montenegro:
Usually within 8 days
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
montenegro:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
montenegro:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.