Driving in Saudi Arabia vs. Sweden: Key Differences
Explore the contrasting driving landscapes of Saudi Arabia and Sweden, where road regulations and safety measures diverge significantly. Discover how lane markings, speed limits, and traffic signals vary, impacting travelers' experiences. Delve into essential insights that can enhance your vehicular journey and ensure a safer adventure in these two distinct nations.
Lanes
| Saudi arabia | 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: 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: Presence | Yes | No |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Minimum two or three occupants | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
saudi arabia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
saudi arabia:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
saudi arabia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
saudi arabia:
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: Presence
saudi arabia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
saudi arabia:
N/A
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
saudi arabia:
N/A
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
saudi arabia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
saudi arabia:
N/A
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
saudi arabia:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
saudi arabia:
Yes
sweden:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
saudi arabia:
Minimum two or three occupants
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
saudi arabia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
saudi arabia:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Saudi arabia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30-40 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 100-120 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 100-120 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120-140 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 120 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 100 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 | Rare; fines are usually mailed or sent via SMS | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
saudi arabia:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
saudi arabia:
30-40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
saudi arabia:
100-120 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
saudi arabia:
100-120 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
saudi arabia:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
saudi arabia:
120-140 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
saudi arabia:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
saudi arabia:
100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
saudi arabia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
saudi arabia:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
saudi arabia:
Rare; fines are usually mailed or sent via SMS
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Saudi arabia | 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 Saudi Arabia | 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 | Arabic; 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]
saudi arabia:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
saudi arabia:
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
saudi arabia:
Not used in Saudi Arabia
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
saudi arabia:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
saudi arabia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
saudi arabia:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
saudi arabia:
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
saudi arabia:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
saudi arabia:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
saudi arabia:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
saudi arabia:
Arabic; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
saudi arabia:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
saudi arabia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Saudi arabia | 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 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
saudi arabia:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
saudi arabia:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
saudi arabia:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
saudi arabia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
saudi arabia:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
saudi arabia:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Saudi arabia | 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 | Mandatory periodic inspection required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the vehicle after successful inspection | 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
saudi arabia:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
saudi arabia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
saudi arabia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
saudi arabia:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
saudi arabia:
Mandatory periodic inspection required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
saudi arabia:
Displayed on the vehicle after successful inspection
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
saudi arabia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
saudi arabia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Saudi arabia | 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 for communication on the road | 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
saudi arabia:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
saudi arabia:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
saudi arabia:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
saudi arabia:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
saudi arabia:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
saudi arabia:
Frequent use for communication on the road
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
saudi arabia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
saudi arabia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
saudi arabia:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Saudi arabia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 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, random checkpoints are used | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; possible imprisonment | Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level. |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Frequent for offenses | Possible for high levels or repeat offenses. |
| Test Refusal | Can result in immediate license suspension and further penalties | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
saudi arabia:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
saudi arabia:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
saudi arabia:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
saudi arabia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
saudi arabia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
saudi arabia:
Common, random checkpoints are used
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
saudi arabia:
Substantial; possible imprisonment
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
saudi arabia:
Frequent for offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
saudi arabia:
Can result in immediate license suspension and further penalties
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Saudi arabia | 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
saudi arabia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
saudi arabia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
saudi arabia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
saudi arabia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
saudi arabia:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
saudi arabia:
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
| Saudi arabia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 999 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 993 | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local services | 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: General Emergency
saudi arabia:
999
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
saudi arabia:
993
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
saudi arabia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
saudi arabia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
saudi arabia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Saudi arabia | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; SAR 300 to SAR 3,000 | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Substantial fines, imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | Fines imposed | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines imposed, typically SAR 500 | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Substantial fines | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Not typical; usually paid online or via bank transfer | 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
saudi arabia:
Varies; SAR 300 to SAR 3,000
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
saudi arabia:
Substantial fines, imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
saudi arabia:
Fines imposed
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
saudi arabia:
Fines imposed, typically SAR 500
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
saudi arabia:
Substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
saudi arabia:
Not typical; usually paid online or via bank transfer
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
saudi arabia:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
saudi arabia:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
saudi arabia:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.