Driving in the Netherlands vs. Sweden: Key Differences
The driving landscapes of the Netherlands and Sweden present intriguing contrasts that every traveler should be aware of. From lane markings and speed limits to traffic signals and alcohol regulations, these two nations offer unique rules that can significantly impact road safety. Understanding these distinctions will ensure a secure and enjoyable driving experience abroad.
Lanes
| Netherlands | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Not commonly used in the Netherlands, replaced by solid white lines on the road edges. | 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 typically used; centerlines are usually white. | 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 and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS', 'LIJNBUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and often distinct red coloring. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
netherlands:
Not commonly used in the Netherlands, replaced by solid white lines on the road edges.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
netherlands:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
netherlands:
Not typically used; centerlines are usually white.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
netherlands:
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
netherlands:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
netherlands:
Labeled 'BUS', 'LIJNBUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
netherlands:
Bicycle symbols and often distinct red coloring.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
Speeds Limits
| Netherlands | 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 | 100-130 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: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, but fines are often mailed after citation | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
netherlands:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
netherlands:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
netherlands:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
netherlands:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
netherlands:
100-130 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
netherlands:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
netherlands:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
netherlands:
Electronic signs display current limits
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
netherlands:
Yes, but fines are often mailed after citation
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Netherlands | 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 Netherlands | 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 | Dutch; 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 | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
netherlands:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
netherlands:
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
netherlands:
Not used in Netherlands
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
netherlands:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
netherlands:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
netherlands:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
netherlands:
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
netherlands:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
netherlands:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
netherlands:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
netherlands:
Dutch; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
netherlands:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
netherlands:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Netherlands | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed unless a green arrow is present | 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 | Usually prohibited unless explicitly allowed 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
netherlands:
Not allowed unless a green arrow is present
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
netherlands:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
netherlands:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
netherlands:
Usually prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
netherlands:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
netherlands:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Netherlands | 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 not necessary | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for up to 185 days if accompanied by an International Driving Permit | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Periodic technical inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | No sticker used; information in vehicle registration | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
netherlands:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
netherlands:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not necessary
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
netherlands:
Accepted for up to 185 days if accompanied by an International Driving Permit
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
netherlands:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
netherlands:
Periodic technical inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
netherlands:
No sticker used; information in vehicle registration
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
netherlands:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
netherlands:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Netherlands | 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
netherlands:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
netherlands:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
netherlands:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
netherlands:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
netherlands:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
netherlands:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
netherlands:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
netherlands:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
netherlands:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Netherlands | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.02% | 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 | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial, and may lead to license suspension | 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
netherlands:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
netherlands:
0.02%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
netherlands:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
netherlands:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
netherlands:
Common; checkpoints used
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
netherlands:
Can be substantial, and may lead to license suspension
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
netherlands:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
netherlands:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Netherlands | 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 | No signal required unless exiting immediately | 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
netherlands:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
netherlands:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
netherlands:
No signal required unless exiting immediately
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
netherlands:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
netherlands:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
netherlands:
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
| Netherlands | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Call 112 for police assistance | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or ANWB | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
netherlands:
Call 112 for police assistance
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
netherlands:
Check with your insurance provider or ANWB
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
netherlands:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
netherlands:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Netherlands | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; can be significant, 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 | Fines apply, points on license | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply, points on license | 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 | Possible; fines also typically paid online or by mail | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; payment within specified period required | 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
netherlands:
Varies; can be significant, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
netherlands:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
netherlands:
Fines apply, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
netherlands:
Possible; fines also typically paid online or by mail
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
netherlands:
Varies; payment within specified period required
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
netherlands:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
netherlands:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.