Driving in Myanmar vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When navigating the roads of Myanmar and Sweden, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that shape their experiences. From lane markings and speed limits to alcohol thresholds, these nations exhibit remarkable contrasts. Understanding these driving protocols is crucial for ensuring a safer journey abroad, allowing travelers to adapt and enjoy their travels with confidence.
Lanes
| Myanmar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the 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 Left | No, overtaking is on the right. | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed as this is the side of overtaking. | 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: Usage | Usually reserved for buses, some allow taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled appropriately; road signs indicate usage. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Cyclists usually share the road with vehicles. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
myanmar:
Marks the edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
myanmar:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
myanmar:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
myanmar:
No, overtaking is on the right.
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
myanmar:
Allowed as this is the side of overtaking.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
myanmar:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
myanmar:
Usually reserved for buses, some allow taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
myanmar:
Labeled appropriately; road signs indicate usage.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
myanmar:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
myanmar:
Cyclists usually share the road with vehicles.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
myanmar:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
myanmar:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
myanmar:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Myanmar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-40 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 50 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 70 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
myanmar:
30-40 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
myanmar:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
myanmar:
60 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
myanmar:
50 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
myanmar:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
myanmar:
80 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
myanmar:
70 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
myanmar:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
myanmar:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
myanmar:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Myanmar | 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 Myanmar | 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 | Burmese; 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 or rectangular with red or yellow backgrounds | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
myanmar:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
myanmar:
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
myanmar:
Not used in Myanmar
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
myanmar:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
myanmar:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
myanmar:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
myanmar:
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
myanmar:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
myanmar:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
myanmar:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
myanmar:
Burmese; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
myanmar:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
myanmar:
Triangular or rectangular with red or yellow backgrounds
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Myanmar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited unless permitted 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 | Prohibited unless permitted 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
myanmar:
Prohibited unless permitted by a sign
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
myanmar:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
myanmar:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
myanmar:
Prohibited unless permitted by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
myanmar:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
myanmar:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Myanmar | 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 for short visits; 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 | Yes, periodic inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
myanmar:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
myanmar:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
myanmar:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
myanmar:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
myanmar:
Yes, periodic inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
myanmar:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
myanmar:
Recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
myanmar:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Myanmar | 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, more common in cities | Rarely used except for emergencies. |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Move to the side 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
myanmar:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
myanmar:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
myanmar:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
myanmar:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
myanmar:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
myanmar:
Moderate use, more common in cities
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
myanmar:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
myanmar:
Move to the side and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
myanmar:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Myanmar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.07% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 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; often during festivals | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Varies by severity; 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 lead to arrest and fines | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
myanmar:
0.07%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
myanmar:
0.03%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
myanmar:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
myanmar:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
myanmar:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
myanmar:
Less common; often during festivals
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
myanmar:
Varies by severity; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
myanmar:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
myanmar:
Can lead to arrest and fines
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Myanmar | 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
myanmar:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
myanmar:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
myanmar:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
myanmar:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
myanmar:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
myanmar:
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
| Myanmar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 199 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local police | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Available through some insurance providers | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
myanmar:
199
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
myanmar:
Contact local police
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
myanmar:
Available through some insurance providers
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
myanmar:
Recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
myanmar:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Myanmar | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; small fines for minor overshoots | 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 enforced; mandatory use | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines for usage while driving | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applied for violations | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; else must be paid at office | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 30 days to pay | 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
myanmar:
Varies; small fines for minor overshoots
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
myanmar:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
myanmar:
Fine enforced; mandatory use
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
myanmar:
Fines for usage while driving
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
myanmar:
Fines applied for violations
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
myanmar:
Possible; else must be paid at office
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
myanmar:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
myanmar:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
myanmar:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.