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Driving in Singapore vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained

When navigating the roads of Singapore and Sweden, drivers encounter distinct regulations and customs that influence safety and efficiency. Key differences include driving sides, speed limits, and the use of lane markings. This comparison highlights essential driving nuances to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience in each unique environment.

Lanes

Driving Side
singapore:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
singapore:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
singapore:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
singapore:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
singapore:
Not allowed.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
singapore:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
singapore:
Reserved for buses during peak hours.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
singapore:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
singapore:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
singapore:
40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
singapore:
70-90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
singapore:
70-90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
singapore:
80-90 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
singapore:
80-90 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
singapore:
Electronic signs display current limits
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
singapore:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.

Signals

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

Turns

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

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
singapore:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
singapore:
International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
singapore:
International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
singapore:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
singapore:
Compulsory every 1-2 years depending on vehicle age
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
singapore:
Display not required
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
singapore:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
singapore:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
singapore:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
singapore:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
singapore:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
singapore:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
singapore:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
singapore:
Common; checkpoints used frequently
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
singapore:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
singapore:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
singapore:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
singapore:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
singapore:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
singapore:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
singapore:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
singapore:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
singapore:
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
singapore:
995
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
singapore:
999
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
singapore:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Singapore
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
singapore:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
singapore:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
singapore:
Varies; significant fines, demerit points
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
singapore:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
singapore:
$120, demerit points for non-compliance
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
singapore:
$200 to $1,000, demerit points for hand-held use
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
singapore:
$200 to $500, demerit points
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
singapore:
Not practiced; fines usually paid online or by other means
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
singapore:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
singapore:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
singapore:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.