Driving in Portugal vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained
When exploring the roads of Portugal and Sweden, drivers will encounter notable distinctions in traffic regulations and safety protocols. Key highlights include varying speed limits, lane usage practices, and alcohol tolerance levels. Understanding these contrasts ensures a safer driving experience while navigating the diverse landscapes of each country.
Lanes
| Portugal | 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 | Prohibited. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
portugal:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
portugal:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
portugal:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
portugal:
Prohibited.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
portugal:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
portugal:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
portugal:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| Portugal | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 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 | Possible | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
portugal:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
portugal:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
portugal:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
portugal:
70 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
portugal:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
portugal:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
portugal:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
portugal:
Electronic signs display current limits
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
portugal:
Possible
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Portugal | 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 Portugal | 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 | Portuguese; 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 | Triangular-shaped with white background and red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
portugal:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
portugal:
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
portugal:
Not used in Portugal
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
portugal:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
portugal:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
portugal:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
portugal:
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
portugal:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
portugal:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
portugal:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
portugal:
Portuguese; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
portugal:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
portugal:
Triangular-shaped with white background and red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Portugal | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited | 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 at intersections unless signs prohibit | 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
portugal:
Prohibited
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
portugal:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
portugal:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
portugal:
Allowed at intersections unless signs prohibit
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
portugal:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
portugal:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Portugal | 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; no additional permit required | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short visits | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Periodic inspections required; proof may be required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
portugal:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
portugal:
Accepted; no additional permit required
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
portugal:
International Driving Permit recommended; national license accepted for short visits
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
portugal:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
portugal:
Periodic inspections required; proof may be required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
portugal:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
portugal:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
portugal:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Portugal | 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
portugal:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
portugal:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
portugal:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
portugal:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
portugal:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
portugal:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
portugal:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
portugal:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
portugal:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Portugal | 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, especially during holidays | 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
portugal:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
portugal:
0.02%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
portugal:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
portugal:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
portugal:
Common, especially during holidays
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
portugal:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
portugal:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
portugal:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Portugal | 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
portugal:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
portugal:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
portugal:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
portugal:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
portugal:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
portugal:
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
| Portugal | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Contact local authorities | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or ACP | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
portugal:
Contact local authorities
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
portugal:
Check with your insurance provider or ACP
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
portugal:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
portugal:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Portugal | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; €60 to €2,500, 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 | €120 to €600 | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | €240 to €1,200 | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | €120 to €600 | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible | 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
portugal:
Varies; €60 to €2,500, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
portugal:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
portugal:
€120 to €600
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
portugal:
€240 to €1,200
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
portugal:
€120 to €600
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
portugal:
Possible
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
portugal:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
portugal:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
portugal:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.