Driving in Sweden vs. United Kingdom: Key Differences
Discover the unique road regulations and customs that distinguish Sweden and the United Kingdom. From lane usage and speed limits to traffic signals and pedestrian rights, this comparison reveals vital distinctions that can impact your driving experience abroad. Understanding these nuances is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey in either country.
Lanes
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left |
| Markings: Solid White Line | No crossing or lane changes allowed. | Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle). |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing. | Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions. |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions. | Do not cross or straddle in either direction. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads. | Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left. | Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Railroad crossings | Near schools |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs. | Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours. |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles. | Mostly exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads. |
Driving Side
sweden:
Right
united kingdom:
Left
Markings: Solid White Line
sweden:
No crossing or lane changes allowed.
united kingdom:
Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle).
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
sweden:
Marks the centerline on two-way roads. No crossing.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
sweden:
Not commonly used; usually dashed if there are restrictions.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
sweden:
Passing permitted when safe; common as centerline on two-way roads.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Right
sweden:
Only allowed in slow-moving traffic lanes or when other vehicles turn left.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
sweden:
Railroad crossings
united kingdom:
Near schools
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
sweden:
Use rightmost lane.
united kingdom:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
sweden:
Reserved for buses, often accessible to taxis and bicycles.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
sweden:
Labeled with 'BUS'; often indicated by road signs.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
sweden:
Exclusive for bicycles.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
sweden:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
sweden:
No
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.
Speeds Limits
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 30-50 km/h | 30 mph |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 30 km/h | 20 mph in some areas |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 70-100 km/h | 60 mph |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 70-100 km/h | 50 mph |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 70-90 km/h | 50 mph |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 90-120 km/h | 70 mph |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 90-100 km/h | 60 mph |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-90 km/h | 60 mph |
| Speed Units | km/h | mph |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Common; fines can be issued directly. | Not typically used; fines are usually mailed |
Urban Areas: Standard
sweden:
30-50 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
sweden:
30 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
sweden:
70-100 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
sweden:
70-100 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
sweden:
70-90 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
sweden:
90-120 km/h
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
sweden:
90-100 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
sweden:
80-90 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
sweden:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
sweden:
Electronic signs display current limits.
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed
Signals
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1] | Yellow | Amber |
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles. | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not common in Sweden. | Prepare to go, not used in the USA |
| Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when exiting. | Signal when entering and exiting |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Use is generally discouraged. | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply |
| 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 | Swedish; symbols are standard. | English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger. | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
sweden:
Yellow
united kingdom:
Amber
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
sweden:
Proceed with caution, give way to pedestrians and other vehicles.
united kingdom:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
sweden:
Not common in Sweden.
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
sweden:
Signal when exiting.
united kingdom:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
sweden:
Use is generally discouraged.
united kingdom:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
sweden:
Fines may apply for misuse.
united kingdom:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
sweden:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
united kingdom:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
sweden:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
united kingdom:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
sweden:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
united kingdom:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
sweden:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
united kingdom:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
sweden:
Swedish; symbols are standard.
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Priority
sweden:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
united kingdom:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
Traffic Signs: Warning
sweden:
Orange diamond-shaped signs warn of danger.
united kingdom:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Not generally allowed. | Not permitted in the UK |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. | Left turns permitted; use caution |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. | Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed except where prohibited by signs. | Allowed except where prohibited by signage |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows. | Yes, marked with arrows |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited. | Prohibited |
Right Turn On Red
sweden:
Not generally allowed.
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
sweden:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
sweden:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
sweden:
Allowed except where prohibited by signs.
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage
Special Turn Lanes
sweden:
Yes, marked with arrows.
united kingdom:
Yes, marked with arrows
Overtaking While Turning
sweden:
Prohibited.
united kingdom:
Prohibited
Documentation
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required. | Valid driver's license required |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary. | Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended. | International Driving Permit often required alongside national license |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory. | Liability insurance mandatory |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection required. | MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Proof may be required to be shown. | Not displayed; records are electronic |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory. | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory but recommended. | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Requirement
sweden:
Valid driver's license required.
united kingdom:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
sweden:
Accepted; International Driving Permit is not necessary.
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
sweden:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended.
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Insurance
sweden:
Liability insurance mandatory.
united kingdom:
Liability insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
sweden:
Annual inspection required.
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
sweden:
Proof may be required to be shown.
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
sweden:
Mandatory.
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Rarely used except for emergencies. | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary. | Pull over to the side 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
sweden:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
united kingdom:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
sweden:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
united kingdom:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
sweden:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
united kingdom:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
sweden:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
united kingdom:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
sweden:
Only in emergency situations.
united kingdom:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
sweden:
Rarely used except for emergencies.
united kingdom:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
sweden:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
united kingdom:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
sweden:
Move to the side of the road and stop if necessary.
united kingdom:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
sweden:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
united kingdom:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Alcohol
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.02% | 0.08% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | Zero tolerance; 0.00%. | 0.02% |
| 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; police conduct alcohol and drug checks. | Common; checkpoints used in some areas |
| Enforcement: Fines | Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level. | Substantial fines apply |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for high levels or repeat offenses. | Possible for severe offenses |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension. | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
sweden:
0.02%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Underage Drivers
sweden:
Zero tolerance; 0.00%.
united kingdom:
0.02%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
sweden:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
united kingdom:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
sweden:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
united kingdom:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
sweden:
Common; police conduct alcohol and drug checks.
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
sweden:
Substantial; vary depending on blood alcohol level.
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Enforcement: Imprisonment
sweden:
Possible for high levels or repeat offenses.
united kingdom:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
sweden:
Can result in license suspension.
united kingdom:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 left if you plan to take the first exit. | Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight |
| 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 |
| 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
sweden:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
united kingdom:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
sweden:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
united kingdom:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
sweden:
Signal left if you plan to take the first exit.
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Signaling: Exiting
sweden:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
united kingdom:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
sweden:
Use for first exit or straight.
united kingdom:
Use for first exit
Lane Usage: Left
sweden:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
united kingdom:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers. | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren). | Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory. | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory but recommended. | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
sweden:
112
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
sweden:
112 for emergencies, otherwise local non-emergency numbers.
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
sweden:
Check with your insurance provider or local service (e.g., Falck, Assistancekåren).
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
sweden:
Mandatory.
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
sweden:
Not mandatory but recommended.
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Sweden | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed. | Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | SEK 1500, points on license. | £100 fine |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | SEK 1500, fines for illegal use. | £200 and 6 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | Varies; fines and possible points on license. | £100 fine and 3 penalty points |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common; fines can be issued directly. | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail |
| Payment: Deadline | Typically within 30 days to pay. | Varies; typically 28 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
sweden:
Varies; SEK 1500 and upwards, depending on excess speed.
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Alcohol
sweden:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
united kingdom:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
sweden:
SEK 1500, points on license.
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
sweden:
SEK 1500, fines for illegal use.
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
sweden:
Varies; fines and possible points on license.
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
sweden:
Common; fines can be issued directly.
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
sweden:
Typically within 30 days to pay.
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay
Foreign Drivers: Fines
sweden:
Same as residents; must be paid.
united kingdom:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
sweden:
Possible if fines are not paid.
united kingdom:
Possible if fines are not paid