Driving in Mozambique vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
As you prepare for your journey abroad, understanding the contrasts in road regulations is crucial for safe travels. This comparison between Mozambique and Sweden reveals stark distinctions, such as driving on the left in Mozambique versus the right in Sweden, alongside variations in speed limits and traffic signals. Stay informed to navigate confidently and responsibly!
Lanes
| Mozambique | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Centers the road for no-passing zones. | 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 allowed. | 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 | No | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | N/A | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | 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. |
Driving Side
mozambique:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
mozambique:
Centers the road for no-passing zones.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
mozambique:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
mozambique:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
mozambique:
Not allowed.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
mozambique:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
mozambique:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
mozambique:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
mozambique:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
mozambique:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
mozambique:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
mozambique:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
mozambique:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
mozambique:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
mozambique:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Mozambique | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 60 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 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 | 120 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 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 | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
mozambique:
60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
mozambique:
40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
mozambique:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
mozambique:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
mozambique:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
mozambique:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
mozambique:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
mozambique:
100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
mozambique:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
mozambique:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
mozambique:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Mozambique | 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 Mozambique | 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 | Portuguese; 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 borders | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
mozambique:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
mozambique:
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
mozambique:
Not used in Mozambique
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
mozambique:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
mozambique:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
mozambique:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
mozambique:
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
mozambique:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
mozambique:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
mozambique:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
mozambique:
Portuguese; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
mozambique:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
mozambique:
Triangle-shaped with red borders
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Mozambique | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless signed otherwise. | 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 | Allowed where not prohibited by 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
mozambique:
Not allowed unless signed otherwise.
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
mozambique:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
mozambique:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
mozambique:
Allowed where not prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
mozambique:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
mozambique:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Mozambique | 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 | Annually | 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
mozambique:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
mozambique:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
mozambique:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
mozambique:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
mozambique:
Annually
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
mozambique:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
mozambique:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
mozambique:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Mozambique | 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 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
mozambique:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
mozambique:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
mozambique:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
mozambique:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
mozambique:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
mozambique:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
mozambique:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
mozambique:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
mozambique:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Mozambique | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.06% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance | 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, especially in urban areas | 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
mozambique:
0.06%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
mozambique:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
mozambique:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
mozambique:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
mozambique:
Common, especially in urban areas
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
mozambique:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
mozambique:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
mozambique:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Mozambique | 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
mozambique:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
mozambique:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
mozambique:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
mozambique:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
mozambique:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
mozambique:
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
| Mozambique | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 121 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | 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: General Emergency
mozambique:
119
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
mozambique:
121
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
mozambique:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
mozambique:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
mozambique:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Mozambique | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines can be significant | 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 | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines apply, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; fines often paid on the spot | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically required immediately or within a short period, | 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
mozambique:
Varies; fines can be significant
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
mozambique:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
mozambique:
Fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
mozambique:
Fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
mozambique:
Fines apply, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
mozambique:
Common; fines often paid on the spot
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
mozambique:
Varies; typically required immediately or within a short period,
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
mozambique:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
mozambique:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.