Driving Differences: Spain vs. Sweden Explained
When traveling abroad, understanding the nuances of road conduct is essential for ensuring safety. In this comparison between Spain and Sweden, you'll discover significant distinctions, such as speed limits and lane regulations. Notably, Spain has more flexible overtaking rules, while Sweden emphasizes stricter alcohol limits. Equip yourself with this knowledge for a safer journey!
Lanes
| Spain | 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 | Prohibited unless on a one-way street. | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and taxis. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | Yes | No |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Minimum two or three occupants | N/A |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
spain:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
spain:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
spain:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Right
spain:
Prohibited unless on a one-way street.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
spain:
Reserved for buses and taxis.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
spain:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'TAXI'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
spain:
Yes
sweden:
No
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
spain:
Minimum two or three occupants
sweden:
N/A
Speeds Limits
| Spain | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20-30 km/h | 30 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 80-90 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-80 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 120 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | Electronic signs display current limits. |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, commonly used | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
spain:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
spain:
20-30 km/h
sweden:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
spain:
90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
spain:
80-90 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
spain:
70-80 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
spain:
120 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
spain:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
spain:
90 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
spain:
Electronic signs display current limits
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
spain:
Yes, commonly used
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Spain | 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 Spain | 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 | Spanish; 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 with white background and red border | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
spain:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
spain:
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
spain:
Not used in Spain
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
spain:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
spain:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
spain:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
spain:
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
spain:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
spain:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
spain:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
spain:
Spanish; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
spain:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
spain:
Triangular with white background and red border
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Spain | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Prohibited unless a sign indicates otherwise | 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 | Generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed 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
spain:
Prohibited unless a sign indicates otherwise
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
spain:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
spain:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
spain:
Generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed by signs.
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
spain:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
spain:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Spain | 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; must carry license. | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended in conjunction with national license. | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, periodic inspections required. | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield in some areas. | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory. | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
spain:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
spain:
Accepted; must carry license.
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
spain:
International Driving Permit recommended in conjunction with national license.
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
spain:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
spain:
Yes, periodic inspections required.
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
spain:
Displayed on windshield in some areas.
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
spain:
Mandatory.
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Spain | 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 | Used more frequently in urgent situations | 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
spain:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
spain:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
spain:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
spain:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
spain:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
spain:
Used more frequently in urgent situations
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
spain:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
spain:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
spain:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Spain | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 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; checkpoints frequently used | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Severe penalties, including high fines | 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 heavy fines and license suspension | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
spain:
0.05%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
spain:
0.03%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
spain:
0.00%; zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
spain:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
spain:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
spain:
Common; checkpoints frequently used
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
spain:
Severe penalties, including high fines
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
spain:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
spain:
Can result in heavy fines and license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Spain | 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
spain:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
spain:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
spain:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
spain:
Signal right when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
spain:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
spain:
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
| Spain | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: Traffic Police | Check with local authorities | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Contact your insurance provider or RACE | 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: Traffic Police
spain:
Check with local authorities
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
spain:
Contact your insurance provider or RACE
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
spain:
Mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
spain:
Mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Spain | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically €100 to €600, points on license | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Severe fines and potential imprisonment | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | €200, mandatory use | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | €200, points on license | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | €200, points on license | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Yes; discount if paid promptly. | 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
spain:
Varies; typically €100 to €600, points on license
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
spain:
Severe fines and potential imprisonment
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
spain:
€200, mandatory use
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
spain:
€200, points on license
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
spain:
€200, points on license
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
spain:
Yes; discount if paid promptly.
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
spain:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
spain:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
spain:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.