Driving in New Zealand vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
Explore the intriguing contrasts between New Zealand and Sweden when it comes to road regulations and motorist conduct. From differing speed limits to unique lane usage, understanding these variations is pivotal for ensuring safety while navigating abroad. Discover how driving on the left in New Zealand diverges from Sweden’s right-hand travel, alongside other essential distinctions.
Lanes
| New zealand | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the right 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 | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right. | 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 | Reserved for buses during certain hours. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and green pavement. | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
Driving Side
new zealand:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
new zealand:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
new zealand:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
new zealand:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
new zealand:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
new zealand:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
new zealand:
Reserved for buses during certain hours.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
new zealand:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
new zealand:
Bicycle symbols and green pavement.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
new zealand:
Not applicable
sweden:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| New zealand | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 90 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 | 90 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 | No; fines are usually mailed after citation | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
new zealand:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
new zealand:
50 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
new zealand:
100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
new zealand:
100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
new zealand:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
new zealand:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
new zealand:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
new zealand:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
new zealand:
Electronic signs display current limits
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
new zealand:
No; fines are usually mailed after citation
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| New zealand | 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 New Zealand | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and 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 | English; 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]
new zealand:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
new zealand:
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
new zealand:
Not used in New Zealand
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
new zealand:
Signal when entering and exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
new zealand:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
new zealand:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
new zealand:
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
new zealand:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
new zealand:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
new zealand:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
new zealand:
English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
new zealand:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
new zealand:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| New zealand | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | 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 unless prohibited by a sign | 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
new zealand:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
new zealand:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
new zealand:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
new zealand:
Permitted unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
new zealand:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
new zealand:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| New zealand | 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 | Regular inspection required; proof may be required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
new zealand:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
new zealand:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
new zealand:
Regular inspection required; proof may be required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
new zealand:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
new zealand:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
new zealand:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| New zealand | 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 marked crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Move 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
new zealand:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
new zealand:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
new zealand:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
new zealand:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
new zealand:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
new zealand:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
new zealand:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
new zealand:
Move to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
new zealand:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| New zealand | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 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 | Substantial fines, can vary widely | 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 and other penalties | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
new zealand:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
new zealand:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
new zealand:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
new zealand:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
new zealand:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
new zealand:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
new zealand:
Substantial fines, can vary widely
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
new zealand:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
new zealand:
Can result in license suspension and other penalties
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| New zealand | 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 left if making an immediate left turn 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
new zealand:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
new zealand:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
new zealand:
Signal left if making an immediate left turn upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
new zealand:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
new zealand:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
new zealand:
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
| New zealand | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 111 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 111 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | 0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association) | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
new zealand:
111
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
new zealand:
111
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
new zealand:
0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association)
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| New zealand | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; $30 to $630, 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 | $150, points may also apply | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | $80 to $150, points in some circumstances | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | $150, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | No; fines usually paid online or by mail | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 28 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
new zealand:
Varies; $30 to $630, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
new zealand:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
new zealand:
$150, points may also apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
new zealand:
$80 to $150, points in some circumstances
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
new zealand:
$150, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
new zealand:
No; fines usually paid online or by mail
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
new zealand:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
new zealand:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
new zealand:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.