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
South africa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Driving Side | Left | Right |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the right edge on 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 | Used to demarcate lanes on certain roads. | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. |
Overtaking: On Left | Allowed | Yes |
Overtaking: On Right | Prohibited unless turning. | 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: Usage | Reserved for buses; marked with road signs and lane markings. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
Bus Lanes: Markings | May include the word 'BUS' and specific coloring. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
Variable Speed Limits: Indications | N/A | Electronic signs display current limits. |
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
South africa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Urban Areas: Standard | 40-60 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 40 km/h | 30 km/h |
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
Highways: Buses And Vans | 100-120 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-100 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 | Yes, common in South Africa | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
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
South africa | 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 South Africa | 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; 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 | Triangular shape with a red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
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
South africa | 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 at designated places; check for 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
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
South africa | 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 if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted if driving temporarily; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Required when transferring ownership or relicensing a vehicle | Annual inspection required. |
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Not applicable | Proof may be required to be shown. |
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
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
South africa | 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
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
South africa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 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; roadblocks are used frequently | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; varies based on offense | 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 and additional fines | Can result in license suspension. |
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
South africa | 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
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
South africa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Contact: General Emergency | 112 or 10111 | 112 |
Contact: Traffic Police | Call general emergency number | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA) | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory | Mandatory. |
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
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
South africa | Sweden | |
---|---|---|
Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; substantial fines depending on excess speed | 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 | Common fine; mandatory use | SEK 1500, points on license. |
Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applicable, varies by local ordinance | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applicable | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
Payment: On The Spot | Yes, common with road checkpoints | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Payment: Deadline | Varies depending on violation; 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
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.