Driving in Pakistan vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
When navigating the roads of Pakistan and Sweden, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that significantly impact road safety. Key contrasts include driving sides—left in Pakistan versus right in Sweden—and varying speed limits. Understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure and compliant journey in either country.
Lanes
| Pakistan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Dividing line for different directions; overtaking not allowed. | 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 | Prohibited | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Yes, allowed on open roads. | 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 | Yes, in major cities | Yes |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses during peak hours. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Limited | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Primarily in some urban areas. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols on road. | 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
pakistan:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
pakistan:
Dividing line for different directions; overtaking not allowed.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
pakistan:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
pakistan:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
pakistan:
Prohibited
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
pakistan:
Yes, allowed on open roads.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
pakistan:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
pakistan:
Yes, in major cities
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
pakistan:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
pakistan:
Labeled 'BUS' with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
pakistan:
Limited
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
pakistan:
Primarily in some urban areas.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
pakistan:
Bicycle symbols on road.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
pakistan:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
pakistan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
pakistan:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Pakistan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90-110 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 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; fines can be issued on the spot | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
pakistan:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
pakistan:
40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
pakistan:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
pakistan:
70-90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
pakistan:
100-120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
pakistan:
90-110 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
pakistan:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
pakistan:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
pakistan:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
pakistan:
Yes; fines can be issued on the spot
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Pakistan | 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 | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas | 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 | Used in some rural areas | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | English and Urdu; 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 | Standard warning signs used | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
pakistan:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
pakistan:
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
pakistan:
Not used
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
pakistan:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
pakistan:
Unnecessary use discouraged in residential areas
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
pakistan:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
pakistan:
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
pakistan:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
pakistan:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
pakistan:
Used in some rural areas
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
pakistan:
English and Urdu; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
pakistan:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
pakistan:
Standard warning signs used
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Pakistan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited unless a sign explicitly allows | 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 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
pakistan:
Prohibited unless a sign explicitly allows
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
pakistan:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
pakistan:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
pakistan:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
pakistan:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
pakistan:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Pakistan | 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 | Varies by province; proof may be required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Usually not required | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory but recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
pakistan:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
pakistan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
pakistan:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
pakistan:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
pakistan:
Varies by province; proof may be required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
pakistan:
Usually not required
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
pakistan:
Not mandatory but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
pakistan:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Pakistan | 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 | Commonly used in urban areas | Only in emergency situations. |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | 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
pakistan:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
pakistan:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
pakistan:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
pakistan:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
pakistan:
Commonly used in urban areas
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
pakistan:
Frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
pakistan:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
pakistan:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
pakistan:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Pakistan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 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 | 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 fines and legal action | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
pakistan:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
pakistan:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
pakistan:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
pakistan:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
pakistan:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
pakistan:
Common; checkpoints used
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
pakistan:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
pakistan:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
pakistan:
Can result in fines and legal action
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Pakistan | 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
pakistan:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
pakistan:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
pakistan:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
pakistan:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
pakistan:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
pakistan:
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
| Pakistan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 115 (Rescue 1122 for paramedics) | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 15 for assistance | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or AA Pakistan | 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 | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
pakistan:
115 (Rescue 1122 for paramedics)
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
pakistan:
15 for assistance
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
pakistan:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Pakistan
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
pakistan:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
pakistan:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Pakistan | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; possible impoundment of vehicle | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Strict penalties, including imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fine if not worn where mandatory | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines and possible license points | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; fines can be paid on the spot | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15-30 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
pakistan:
Varies; possible impoundment of vehicle
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
pakistan:
Strict penalties, including imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
pakistan:
Fine if not worn where mandatory
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
pakistan:
Fines apply
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
pakistan:
Fines and possible license points
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
pakistan:
Yes; fines can be paid on the spot
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
pakistan:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
pakistan:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
pakistan:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.