Driving Differences: Romania vs. Sweden Explained
When it comes to navigating the roads of Romania and Sweden, drivers encounter distinct regulations and practices that can significantly impact their travel experience. From speed limits to lane usage and emergency protocols, understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Discover the key contrasts between these two nations to drive with confidence.
Lanes
| Romania | 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 | Limited, mainly in urban areas | Yes |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not commonly used | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
romania:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
romania:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
romania:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
romania:
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
romania:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
romania:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
romania:
Limited, mainly in urban areas
sweden:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
romania:
Not applicable
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
romania:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
romania:
Not commonly used
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Romania | 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 | 80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 130 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: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Not commonly used | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, common practice | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
romania:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
romania:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
romania:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
romania:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
romania:
130 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
romania:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
romania:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
romania:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
romania:
Not commonly used
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
romania:
Yes, common practice
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Romania | 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 Romania | Not common in Sweden. |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting | Signal when exiting. |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; restrictions apply in some 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 | Romanian; 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 a red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
romania:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
romania:
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
romania:
Not used in Romania
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
romania:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
romania:
Unnecessary use discouraged; restrictions apply in some areas
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
romania:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
romania:
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
romania:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
romania:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
romania:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
romania:
Romanian; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
romania:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
romania:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Romania | 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 | Generally allowed unless signed otherwise | 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
romania:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
romania:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
romania:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
romania:
Generally allowed unless signed otherwise
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
romania:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
romania:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Romania | 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; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, periodic inspections 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
romania:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
romania:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
romania:
International Driving Permit required
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
romania:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
romania:
Yes, periodic inspections required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
romania:
Displayed on the windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
romania:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
romania:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Romania | 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 | Moderate use expected | 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
romania:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
romania:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
romania:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
romania:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
romania:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
romania:
Moderate use expected
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
romania:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
romania:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
romania:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Romania | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% to 0.05%; new drivers may have stricter limits | 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 | Considerable fines for offenses | 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
romania:
0.00% to 0.05%; new drivers may have stricter limits
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
romania:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
romania:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
romania:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
romania:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
romania:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
romania:
Considerable fines for offenses
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
romania:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
romania:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Romania | 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
romania:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
romania:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
romania:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
romania:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
romania:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
romania:
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
| Romania | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Call 112 for police assistance | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Call your insurance provider or a local service | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory; must be carried in the vehicle | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory; must be worn when outside the vehicle on the road | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: Traffic Police
romania:
Call 112 for police assistance
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
romania:
Call your insurance provider or a local service
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
romania:
Mandatory; must be carried in the vehicle
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
romania:
Mandatory; must be worn when outside the vehicle on the road
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Romania | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; fines increase with speed over the limit | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Hefty fines and possible license suspension | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fine applicable; mandatory for all passengers | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines apply; using a phone without a hands-free kit is prohibited | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applicable; license points may be added | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; payment can be immediate or through the bank | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically within 15 to 30 days | 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 or immediate safety concerns exist | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
romania:
Varies; fines increase with speed over the limit
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
romania:
Hefty fines and possible license suspension
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
romania:
Fine applicable; mandatory for all passengers
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
romania:
Fines apply; using a phone without a hands-free kit is prohibited
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
romania:
Fines applicable; license points may be added
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
romania:
Possible; payment can be immediate or through the bank
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
romania:
Varies; typically within 15 to 30 days
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
romania:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
romania:
Possible if fines are not paid or immediate safety concerns exist
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.