Driving in Norway vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences
When navigating the roads of Norway and Sweden, understanding the nuances in traffic regulations is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and signaling practices. While both countries prioritize pedestrian safety, Norway's stricter overtaking rules and Sweden's more relaxed bus lane policies highlight the unique driving cultures of these Nordic neighbors.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in norway is the Right Side of the road
96
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in norway is 96
1.912 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for norway is 1.912 US Dollars
While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.
Lanes
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| Norway | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions. | 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 standard in Norway. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. | |
| Overtaking: On Right | Only permitted in specific situations, e.g., if the vehicle in front has signaled a left turn. | 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' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Yes | No | |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Minimum two or more occupants | N/A |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
norway:
Used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
norway:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
norway:
Not standard in Norway.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
norway:
Only permitted in specific situations, e.g., if the vehicle in front has signaled a left turn.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
norway:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
norway:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
norway:
Yes
sweden:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
norway:
Minimum two or more occupants
sweden:
N/A
Speeds Limits
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| Norway | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 90-110 km/h | 90-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 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 | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
norway:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
norway:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
norway:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
norway:
90-110 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
norway:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
norway:
Electronic signs display current limits
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
norway:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
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| Norway | 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 Norway | 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 | Norwegian; symbols are standard, with English in some places | 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-shaped with red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
norway:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
norway:
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
norway:
Not used in Norway
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
norway:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
norway:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
norway:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
norway:
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
norway:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
norway:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
norway:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
norway:
Norwegian; symbols are standard, with English in some places
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
norway:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
norway:
Triangular-shaped with red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
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| Norway | 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 | Varies by locality; 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
norway:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
norway:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
norway:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
norway:
Varies by locality; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
norway:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
norway:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Norway | 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 with a national driving license | 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 inspection required | Annual inspection required. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | None | 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
norway:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
norway:
Accepted with a national driving license
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
norway:
International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
norway:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
norway:
Yes, periodic inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
norway:
None
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
norway:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
norway:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
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| Norway | 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
norway:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
norway:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
norway:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
norway:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
norway:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
norway:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
norway:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
norway:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
norway:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
When navigating the roads of Norway and Sweden, understanding the nuances in traffic regulations is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane usage, and signaling practices. While both countries prioritize pedestrian safety, Norway's stricter overtaking rules and Sweden's more relaxed bus lane policies highlight the unique driving cultures of these Nordic neighbors.
Alcohol
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| Norway | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; 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; checkpoints used frequently | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. | |
| Enforcement: Fines | High fines and possible license revocation | 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: Underage Drivers
norway:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
norway:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
norway:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
norway:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
norway:
High fines and possible license revocation
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
norway:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
norway:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
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| Norway | 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
norway:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
norway:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
norway:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
norway:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
norway:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
norway:
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
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| Norway | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | 02800 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or NAF | 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
norway:
02800
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
norway:
Check with your insurance provider or NAF
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
norway:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
norway:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
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| Norway | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; substantial fines and possible points on license | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. | |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | 1500 NOK | SEK 1500, points on license. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | 1700 NOK | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies; substantial fines | Varies; fines and possible points on license. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes, typically required | 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
norway:
Varies; substantial fines and possible points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
norway:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
norway:
1500 NOK
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
norway:
1700 NOK
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
norway:
Varies; substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
norway:
Yes, typically required
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
norway:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
norway:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
norway:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.