Driving Differences: Sri Lanka vs. Sweden Uncovered
Discover the intriguing contrasts in road regulations between Sri Lanka and Sweden, where driving customs can significantly influence your journey. From lane usage and speed limits to signaling practices and alcohol restrictions, understanding these variations is essential for ensuring a secure and compliant experience behind the wheel in these diverse environments.
Lanes
| Sri lanka | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Left | Right |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the right 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 Left | No | Yes |
| Overtaking: On Right | Allowed when safe. | 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. | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs. | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. |
| Cycle Lanes: Presence | No | Yes |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Bicycles often share lanes with other vehicles. | Exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | N/A | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | N/A | N/A |
| Variable Speed Limits: Presence | No | Yes |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Speed limits remain constant unless otherwise posted. | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Driving Side
sri lanka:
Left
sweden:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
sri lanka:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
sri lanka:
No crossing in either direction.
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
sri lanka:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
Overtaking: On Left
sri lanka:
No
sweden:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
sri lanka:
Allowed when safe.
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
sri lanka:
Use leftmost lane.
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
sri lanka:
Reserved for buses.
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
Bus Lanes: Markings
sri lanka:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
sri lanka:
No
sweden:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
sri lanka:
Bicycles often share lanes with other vehicles.
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
sri lanka:
N/A
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
sri lanka:
N/A
sweden:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
sri lanka:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
sri lanka:
Speed limits remain constant unless otherwise posted.
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Speeds Limits
| Sri lanka | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30-50 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 60 km/h | 70-100 km/h |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 60 km/h | 70-90 km/h |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90-120 km/h |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 80 km/h | 90-100 km/h |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80 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; fines are applied at the time of citation | Common; fines can be issued directly. |
Urban Areas: Standard
sri lanka:
50 km/h
sweden:
30-50 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
sri lanka:
70 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
sri lanka:
60 km/h
sweden:
70-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
sri lanka:
60 km/h
sweden:
70-90 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
sri lanka:
100 km/h
sweden:
90-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
sri lanka:
80 km/h
sweden:
90-100 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
sri lanka:
80 km/h
sweden:
80-90 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
sri lanka:
No
sweden:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
sri lanka:
N/A
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
sri lanka:
Yes; fines are applied at the time of citation
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Signals
| Sri lanka | 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 Sri Lanka | 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 | Used more frequently in rural areas | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Sinhala, Tamil, and sometimes 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 and a white background | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
sri lanka:
Amber
sweden:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
sri lanka:
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
sri lanka:
Not used in Sri Lanka
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
sri lanka:
Signal when exiting
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
sri lanka:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
Horn Usage: Penalties
sri lanka:
Fines may apply for misuse
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
sri lanka:
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
sri lanka:
Not to be used to signal other messages
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
sri lanka:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
sri lanka:
Used more frequently in rural areas
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
sri lanka:
Sinhala, Tamil, and sometimes English; symbols are standard
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
sri lanka:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
sri lanka:
Triangular shape with a red border and a white background
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
Turns
| Sri lanka | 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 unless prohibited 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
sri lanka:
Not allowed
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
Left Turn: General
sri lanka:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
sri lanka:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
sri lanka:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
Special Turn Lanes
sri lanka:
Yes, marked with arrows
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
sri lanka:
Prohibited
sweden:
Prohibited.
Documentation
| Sri lanka | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | International Driving Permit required | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit required | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Yes, proof required | Annual inspection required. |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on windshield | Proof may be required to be shown. |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Driver's License: Requirement
sri lanka:
Valid driver's license required
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
sri lanka:
International Driving Permit required
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
sri lanka:
International Driving Permit required
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
Insurance
sri lanka:
Liability insurance mandatory
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
sri lanka:
Yes, proof required
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
sri lanka:
Displayed on windshield
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
sri lanka:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
sri lanka:
Not mandatory
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Road Etiquette
| Sri lanka | 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 | 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
sri lanka:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
sri lanka:
Discouraged, fines may apply
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
sri lanka:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
sri lanka:
Discouraged and may be penalized
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
sri lanka:
Only in emergency situations
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
sri lanka:
Frequent use compared to some countries
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
Pedestrians Priority
sri lanka:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
sri lanka:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
sri lanka:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
| Sri lanka | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.06% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.04% | 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 used regularly | Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial | 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 | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
sri lanka:
0.06%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
sri lanka:
0.04%
sweden:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
sri lanka:
0.00% - zero tolerance
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
sri lanka:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
sri lanka:
Check if medication affects driving ability
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
sri lanka:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
Enforcement: Fines
sri lanka:
Can be substantial
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
sri lanka:
Possible for severe offenses
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
Test Refusal
sri lanka:
Can result in license suspension
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
| Sri lanka | 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
sri lanka:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
sri lanka:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
sri lanka:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
Signaling: Exiting
sri lanka:
Signal left when preparing to exit
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
sri lanka:
Use for first exit or straight
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
sri lanka:
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
| Sri lanka | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 119 | 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 119 or contact local police | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Not mandatory but recommended. |
Contact: General Emergency
sri lanka:
119
sweden:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
sri lanka:
119 or contact local police
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
Contact: Roadside Assistance
sri lanka:
Check with your insurance provider
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
sri lanka:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
sri lanka:
Not mandatory, but recommended
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
Penalties And Fines
| Sri lanka | Sweden | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; expect substantial fines | 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 | Fines applied; amount may vary | SEK 1500, points on license. |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | Fines applied; amount may vary | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Fines applied; amount may vary | Varies; fines and possible points on license. |
| Payment: On The Spot | Possible; fines may be paid on the spot | 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
sri lanka:
Varies; expect substantial fines
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
Common Fines: Alcohol
sri lanka:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
Common Fines: Phone Use
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
sri lanka:
Fines applied; amount may vary
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
Payment: On The Spot
sri lanka:
Possible; fines may be paid on the spot
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
Payment: Deadline
sri lanka:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
sri lanka:
Same as residents; must be paid
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
sri lanka:
Possible if fines are not paid
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.