Driving in Panama vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
When venturing abroad, understanding the unique driving customs of Panama and Sweden is essential for ensuring a safe journey. Notable distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and traffic signal protocols. While Panama permits overtaking on multi-lane roads, Sweden emphasizes strict adherence to lane discipline. Equip yourself with this knowledge for a more secure travel experience.
RIGHT
Driving Side
The driving side in panama is the Right Side of the road
79
Driving Safety Score
The driving Driving Safety Score in panama is 79
0.933 $
Gas Price in USD
The driving Driving Safety Score for panama is 0.933 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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| Panama | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the left 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 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' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. | |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | Yes, in some urban areas | Yes | |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers. | 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. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
panama:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
panama:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
panama:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
panama:
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
panama:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
panama:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
panama:
Yes, in some urban areas
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Markings
panama:
Bicycle symbols and often separated by barriers.
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
panama:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
panama:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
panama:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Panama | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30-50 km/h | |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 25-30 km/h | 30 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 80-100 km/h | 70-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 70-100 km/h | |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h | |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | 90-120 km/h | |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80-100 km/h | 90-100 km/h | |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 70-90 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 | Common | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
panama:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
panama:
25-30 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
panama:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
panama:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
panama:
70-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
panama:
100-120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
panama:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
panama:
70-90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
panama:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
panama:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
panama:
Common
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
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| Panama | 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 Panama | Not common in Sweden. | |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. | |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban 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 | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. | |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Spanish; 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]
panama:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
panama:
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
panama:
Not used in Panama
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
panama:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
panama:
Unnecessary use discouraged, especially in urban areas
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
panama:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
panama:
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
panama:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
panama:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
panama:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
panama:
Spanish; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
panama:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
panama:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
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| Panama | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Generally 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 location; 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
panama:
Generally not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
panama:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
panama:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
panama:
Varies by location; check for signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
panama:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
panama:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
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| Panama | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. | |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. | |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Mandatory every two years for new cars | Annual inspection required. | |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | 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
panama:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
panama:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
panama:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short stays
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
panama:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
panama:
Mandatory every two years for new cars
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
panama:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
panama:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
panama:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
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| Panama | 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 | Frequent use, especially in urban areas | 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
panama:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
panama:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
panama:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
panama:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
panama:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
panama:
Frequent use, especially in urban areas
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
panama:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
panama:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
panama:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
When venturing abroad, understanding the unique driving customs of Panama and Sweden is essential for ensuring a safe journey. Notable distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and traffic signal protocols. While Panama permits overtaking on multi-lane roads, Sweden emphasizes strict adherence to lane discipline. Equip yourself with this knowledge for a more secure travel experience.
Alcohol
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| Panama | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% | |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.04% | 0.02% | |
| 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, especially during weekends | 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 license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
panama:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
panama:
0.04%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
panama:
0.00% (zero tolerance)
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
panama:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
panama:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
panama:
Common, especially during weekends
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
panama:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
panama:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
panama:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
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| Panama | 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
panama:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
panama:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
panama:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
panama:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
panama:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
panama:
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
Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...Small text specific to the section aboe, explaining the main ...
| Panama | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 112 | |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 104 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. | |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama | 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: General Emergency
panama:
911
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
panama:
104
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
panama:
Contact insurance provider or services like Autorama
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
panama:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
panama:
Recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
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| Panama | Sweden | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; $50 to $150, 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 | $25 to $75 | SEK 1500, points on license. | |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Varies; fines and points on license | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. | |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | $50 to $150, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. | |
| Payment: On The Spot | Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations | 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
panama:
Varies; $50 to $150, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
panama:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
panama:
$25 to $75
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
panama:
Varies; fines and points on license
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
panama:
$50 to $150, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
panama:
Rare; fines usually paid at designated locations
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
panama:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
panama:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
panama:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.