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Driving in Slovenia vs. Sweden: Key Safety Differences

When navigating the roads of Slovenia and Sweden, understanding their unique traffic regulations is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and alcohol tolerance, with Slovenia permitting higher blood alcohol levels compared to Sweden’s stricter regulations. This guide highlights critical contrasts to ensure you drive confidently and responsibly abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
slovenia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
slovenia:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
slovenia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
slovenia:
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
slovenia:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes bicycles.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
slovenia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
slovenia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
slovenia:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
slovenia:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
slovenia:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
slovenia:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
slovenia:
80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
slovenia:
130 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
slovenia:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
slovenia:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
slovenia:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
slovenia:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
slovenia:
Yes, fines are often issued directly by police
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.

Signals

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

Turns

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

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
slovenia:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
slovenia:
Accepted; no International Driving Permit required
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
slovenia:
International Driving Permit recommended, but not mandatory for short visits
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
slovenia:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
slovenia:
Yes, periodic inspections required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
slovenia:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
slovenia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
slovenia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
slovenia:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
slovenia:
0.00%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
slovenia:
0.00%
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
slovenia:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
slovenia:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
slovenia:
Common; roadside checks conducted
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
slovenia:
Severe fines; varies based on offense
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
slovenia:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
slovenia:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
slovenia:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
slovenia:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
slovenia:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
slovenia:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
slovenia:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
slovenia:
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: Traffic Police
slovenia:
113
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
slovenia:
1987 for AMZS
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
slovenia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
slovenia:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
slovenia:
Varies; €40 to €1200, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
slovenia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
slovenia:
Fines apply, €120
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
slovenia:
Fines apply, €120
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
slovenia:
Fines apply, €250
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
slovenia:
Yes, often fines are paid directly or within a deadline
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
slovenia:
Varies; typically 8 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
slovenia:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
slovenia:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.