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Driving in South Africa vs. Sweden: Key Differences Explained

Explore the intriguing contrasts between South Africa and Sweden in our comprehensive driving comparison. Key distinctions include driving sides, speed limits, and road etiquette. While South Africa drives on the left and features variable speed limits, Sweden adheres to right-side driving and more stringent alcohol regulations. Stay informed and drive safely in these unique environments!

Lanes

Driving Side
south africa:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
south africa:
Marks the right edge on roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
south africa:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
south africa:
Used to demarcate lanes on certain roads.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
south africa:
Allowed
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
south africa:
Prohibited unless turning.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
south africa:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
south africa:
Reserved for buses; marked with road signs and lane markings.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
south africa:
May include the word 'BUS' and specific coloring.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
south africa:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
south africa:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
south africa:
40-60 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
south africa:
40 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
south africa:
100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
south africa:
100 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
south africa:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
south africa:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
south africa:
100-120 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
south africa:
80-100 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
south africa:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
south africa:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
south africa:
Yes, common in South Africa
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.

Signals

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

Turns

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

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
south africa:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
south africa:
Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
south africa:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
south africa:
Required when transferring ownership or relicensing a vehicle
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
south africa:
Not applicable
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
south africa:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
south africa:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Road Etiquette

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

Alcohol

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

Roundabouts

Priority: Entering
south africa:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
south africa:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
south africa:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
south africa:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
south africa:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
south africa:
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
south africa:
112 or 10111
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
south africa:
Call general emergency number
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
south africa:
Check with your insurance provider or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA)
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
south africa:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
south africa:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines depending on excess speed
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
south africa:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
south africa:
Common fine; mandatory use
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
south africa:
Fines applicable, varies by local ordinance
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
south africa:
Fines applicable
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
south africa:
Yes, common with road checkpoints
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
south africa:
Varies depending on violation; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
south africa:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
south africa:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.