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
Samoa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Driving Side | Left | Right |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the centerline on two-way 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 Left | No | Yes |
Overtaking: On Right | Yes | 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 | No | Yes |
Bus Lanes: Usage | N/A | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
Bus Lanes: Markings | N/A | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
Cycle Lanes: Usage | N/A | Exclusive for bicycles. |
Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | 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
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
Samoa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Urban Areas: Standard | 25-40 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20 km/h | 30 km/h |
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 55-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 55-80 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 55-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | Not applicable | 90-120 km/h |
Highways: Buses And Vans | Not applicable | 90-100 km/h |
Highways: Trucks And Trailers | Not applicable | 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 | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
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
Samoa | 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 Samoa | 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 | English and Samoan; 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]
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
Samoa | 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 | 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
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
Samoa | 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 | Annual inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
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
Samoa | 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 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
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
Samoa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Limits: General Drivers | 0.08% | 0.02% |
Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00% to 0.02%; 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 | 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
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
Samoa | 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 left 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
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
Samoa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Contact: General Emergency | 911 | 112 |
Contact: Traffic Police | 685-22-222 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | 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, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
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
Samoa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; ST$50 to ST$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 | ST$100 to ST$200 | SEK 1500, points on license. |
Common Fines: Phone Use | ST$50 to ST$300 | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | ST$100 to ST$500, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
Payment: On The Spot | Yes; fines usually paid online or by mail afterwards | 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
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.