You can learn a lot from a country by driving through its towns and cities. It’s a more intimate experience that makes you feel as if you were living there. Learning the habits and customs as well as the driving style of the locals become part of the trip. Obviously, you also need studying their laws, in this case, the driving rules in Sweden. All in all, if you are an experienced motorist, you will enjoy the adventure for sure.
We have gathered some important information regarding driving rules in Sweden. So, read on:
Getting into the basics
First things first, there are some elemental driving rules in Sweden that you should be aware of:
- In Sweden, you drive on the right. This is a big plus because it doesn’t represent a barrier for most tourists.
- In the eventuality of requiring road assistance, you can call the emergency number 112 that gives you access to all important services like ambulances, police, and fire department. Similarly, then the 911 in the USA, this number works nationwide.
- Sweden uses the metric system which means that distance is measured in Kilometers and speed is measured in KPH (Kilometers per hour).
- As in most countries, you can only use mobile phones in hands-free mode. Take this warning seriously, motorists who are caught using handheld devices while driving will be fined.
Legal requirements for driving in Sweden
If you are planning a trip to beautiful Sweden, then take into account the following legal provisions:
- You need a valid driver’s license. Licenses from any EU country are valid as expected. North American, Australian, and Canadian permits are also valid as long as they include a picture of you. If they don’t, you will need a complementary identification document like your passport.
- Besides the driver’s license, you need a current insurance certificate as well as the vehicle registration. If you are renting a car, the insurance certificate will be issued at the desk. Our suggestion is keeping documents safe at the glovebox.
- Regarding the minimum age, driving rules in Sweden indicates that you should be at least 18 years old for taking the wheel and 20 years old to legally rent a car.
- While it is understandable that you are on vacation, that does not exempt you from complying with the strict drinking rules used in Sweden. Under no circumstances, your blood alcohol content (BAC) should exceed 0.2 grams/liter. That’s lower than most Europeans countries, to give you a perspective, the BAC in Finland, Germany or France is 0.5 grams/liter. Please keep this information in mind if you were drinking in Finland and intend driving back to Sweden.
Speed limits in Sweden
The speed regulations in Sweden are more or less the same than the rest of the European countries. Although speed signs comply with international standards, you may notice a little difference that is the yellow background. The signs are round with a red border, a black number in the center (speed limit in KPH) and a yellow background instead of white.
The fines for speeding in Sweden are really high, so try not exceeding the speed limits. Below is a summary of the speed limits used in the different types of roads.
- The speed limit when driving on the Highway is 110-120 KPH.
- If you are driving in the rural countryside, the limit varies between 50-90 KPH depending on the proximity to a populated area.
- The driving rules in Sweden state that the maximum speed in urban areas is 20-30 KPH. Be aware of the speed limit at all times, there are severe fines for offenders, especially inside urban areas.
General safety regulations while driving in Sweden
An important part of the driving rules in Sweden have to be with the safety controls. Laws related to safety are stringent in Sweden, be sure to follow them to the letter.
- Using the seatbelt at all times is obligatory. This is true for all passengers, including children.
- The headlights must be on while driving regardless of the time of the day. A quick tip, ensure that you turn on the headlights as soon as you start the engine.
- During winter time (December through March) using snow tires is mandatory. Keep this regulation in mind if your plan is spending the holidays in Sweden.
Fines and penalties in Sweden
During this article, you had the opportunity to learn the most important driving rules in Sweden. However, as a tourist, is also pertinent a basic knowledge regarding the potential sanctions you may face. As mentioned before, fines in Sweden are really high. Below is a roundup of the most common infractions:
- Exceeding the speed limit in urban areas will cost you €335. The fine could increase to €430 if you were driving over 60 KPH. Fines for rural areas are mostly the same, €335 and €430 if you exceed the limit in +40 KPH. Other roads with 90 KPH speed limit and above have a slightly lower fine of €300 and €430 if you exceed the limit in +40 KPH.
- Hiding or artificially altering your speed limit by using any electronic device (like radar jammers) can potentially cause you a fine of €400.
- If you get caught using a handheld device while driving, you will be fined with €150.
- The fine for driving under the influence of alcohol is €145.
- The failure in using seatbelts will cause you fines as well. For the driver and/or passenger is €145 and for younglings under 15 years old is €235.
- Finally, running a red light will cost you €285.
Regarding speeding, is good for you to know that using cameras (both mobile and fixed) is a common practice across roads in Sweden. We encourage you to enjoy your vacation and avoid unnecessary fines.
Driving rules in Sweden may look strict at first, but once you get used to them, you will find that they are not hard to comply. Sweden is a fascinating country with gorgeous landscapes to enjoy. One of the best ways to take full advantage of your visit is driving through its towns and discover places you would never otherwise have seen.