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Samoa vs Sweden: A Driving Safety Comparison

When exploring the road regulations of Samoa and Sweden, distinct contrasts in vehicular norms and safety protocols emerge. From driving sides—left in Samoa versus right in Sweden—to speed limits and lane usage, understanding these disparities is crucial for a secure journey. This comparison highlights essential driving practices to ensure your travels abroad are safe and enjoyable.

Lanes

Driving Side
samoa:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
samoa:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
samoa:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
samoa:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
samoa:
No
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
samoa:
Yes
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
samoa:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
samoa:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
samoa:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
samoa:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
samoa:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
samoa:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
samoa:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
samoa:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
samoa:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
samoa:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
samoa:
25-40 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
samoa:
20 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
samoa:
55-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
samoa:
55-80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
samoa:
55-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
samoa:
Not applicable
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
samoa:
Not applicable
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
samoa:
Not applicable
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
samoa:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
samoa:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
samoa:
Yes
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.

Signals

Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
samoa:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
samoa:
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
samoa:
Not used in Samoa
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
samoa:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
samoa:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
samoa:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
samoa:
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
samoa:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
samoa:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
samoa:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
samoa:
English and Samoan; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
samoa:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
samoa:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.

Turns

Right Turn On Red
samoa:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
samoa:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
samoa:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
samoa:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
samoa:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
samoa:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
samoa:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
samoa:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
samoa:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
samoa:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
samoa:
Annual inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
samoa:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
samoa:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
samoa:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Road Etiquette

Flashing Lights: Usage
samoa:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
samoa:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
samoa:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
samoa:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
samoa:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
samoa:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
samoa:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
samoa:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
samoa:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
samoa:
0.08%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
samoa:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
samoa:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
samoa:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
samoa:
Common
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
samoa:
Varies; can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
samoa:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
samoa:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
samoa:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
samoa:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
samoa:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
samoa:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
samoa:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
samoa:
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

Contact: General Emergency
samoa:
911
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
samoa:
685-22-222
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
samoa:
Check with your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
samoa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
samoa:
Varies; ST$50 to ST$500, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
samoa:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$200
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
samoa:
ST$50 to ST$300
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
samoa:
ST$100 to ST$500, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
samoa:
Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
samoa:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
samoa:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
samoa:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.