Sweden 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Transportstyrelsen
Last Updated: February 1, 2026
Summary
Sweden advances its Vision Zero strategy in 2026 with EU GSR2 Phase 3 distraction monitoring, updated winter tire regulations, expanded environmental zones in Stockholm and Gothenburg, and new lower speed limits in urban areas.
Key Changes
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Distraction Warning
Effective July 7, 2026
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping, and basic drowsiness warning
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera to detect phone use, inattention, or other distractions
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144
Instructor's Tip
“EU GSR2 Phase 3 requires camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. The system detects if you're looking at your phone or not paying attention. Combined with ISA (already mandatory), Swedish new cars will have comprehensive driver monitoring.”
Updated Winter Tire Regulations
Effective December 1, 2026
Winter tires Dec 1 - Mar 31
Winter tires mandatory December 1 to March 31 when conditions are wintry; minimum 3mm tread depth
Extended period and stricter requirements
Winter tires mandatory December 1 to March 31; minimum tread depth remains 3mm; studded tires allowed October 1 to April 15; foreign vehicles must also comply from first day of entry
Official Source: Transportstyrelsen Winter Tires
Instructor's Tip
“Winter tire rules are strictly enforced. You need at least 3mm tread depth on winter tires from December 1 to March 31 when roads are icy or snowy. Foreign drivers are not exempt - comply from your first day in Sweden. Studded tires are allowed October 1 to April 15.”
Vision Zero: Lower Urban Speed Limits
Effective January 1, 2026
50 km/h default urban
Default speed limit in urban areas was 50 km/h with some 30 km/h zones
40 km/h in residential areas
Default speed limit reduced to 40 km/h in residential areas; 30 km/h zones expanded near schools, hospitals, and areas with high pedestrian activity
Official Source: Trafikverket Vision Zero
Instructor's Tip
“Sweden's Vision Zero is lowering urban speed limits. Residential areas are moving to 40 km/h default, and 30 km/h zones are expanding around schools and hospitals. Always watch for the blue speed limit signs - they're changing in many areas.”
Expanded Environmental Zones (Miljözoner) Class 3
Effective January 1, 2026
Miljözon Class 1 and 2
Environmental zones restricted heavy diesel vehicles in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö
Miljözon Class 3 in effect
Class 3 zones in central Stockholm and Gothenburg restrict passenger cars: only Euro 6 diesel and Euro 5 petrol or newer allowed; electric and hybrid vehicles exempt
Official Source: Transportstyrelsen Miljözoner
Instructor's Tip
“Miljözon Class 3 now covers central Stockholm and Gothenburg for passenger cars. You need at least Euro 6 for diesel or Euro 5 for petrol. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are exempt. Check your vehicle's emission class before driving into these areas.”
Changes by Category
🚗Speed Limits(1)
Vision Zero: Lower Urban Speed Limits
Effective January 1, 2026
50 km/h default urban
Default speed limit in urban areas was 50 km/h with some 30 km/h zones
40 km/h in residential areas
Default speed limit reduced to 40 km/h in residential areas; 30 km/h zones expanded near schools, hospitals, and areas with high pedestrian activity
Official Source: Trafikverket Vision Zero
🔧Vehicle Equipment(2)
Updated Winter Tire Regulations
Effective December 1, 2026
Winter tires Dec 1 - Mar 31
Winter tires mandatory December 1 to March 31 when conditions are wintry; minimum 3mm tread depth
Extended period and stricter requirements
Winter tires mandatory December 1 to March 31; minimum tread depth remains 3mm; studded tires allowed October 1 to April 15; foreign vehicles must also comply from first day of entry
Official Source: Transportstyrelsen Winter Tires
Updated E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations
Effective April 1, 2026
Limited regulation
E-scooters classified as bicycles with 20 km/h limit; minimal enforcement
Stricter classification and rules
E-scooters limited to 20 km/h with mandatory lights and reflectors; parking restricted to designated areas in city centers; riders must be 15+
Official Source: Transportstyrelsen
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Distraction Warning
Effective July 7, 2026
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping, and basic drowsiness warning
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera to detect phone use, inattention, or other distractions
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144
🌱Environmental Zones(1)
Expanded Environmental Zones (Miljözoner) Class 3
Effective January 1, 2026
Miljözon Class 1 and 2
Environmental zones restricted heavy diesel vehicles in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö
Miljözon Class 3 in effect
Class 3 zones in central Stockholm and Gothenburg restrict passenger cars: only Euro 6 diesel and Euro 5 petrol or newer allowed; electric and hybrid vehicles exempt
Official Source: Transportstyrelsen Miljözoner
Instructor Tips
Re: EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Distraction Warning
Instructor's Tip
“EU GSR2 Phase 3 requires camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. The system detects if you're looking at your phone or not paying attention. Combined with ISA (already mandatory), Swedish new cars will have comprehensive driver monitoring.”
Re: Updated Winter Tire Regulations
Instructor's Tip
“Winter tire rules are strictly enforced. You need at least 3mm tread depth on winter tires from December 1 to March 31 when roads are icy or snowy. Foreign drivers are not exempt - comply from your first day in Sweden. Studded tires are allowed October 1 to April 15.”
Re: Vision Zero: Lower Urban Speed Limits
Instructor's Tip
“Sweden's Vision Zero is lowering urban speed limits. Residential areas are moving to 40 km/h default, and 30 km/h zones are expanding around schools and hospitals. Always watch for the blue speed limit signs - they're changing in many areas.”
Re: Expanded Environmental Zones (Miljözoner) Class 3
Instructor's Tip
“Miljözon Class 3 now covers central Stockholm and Gothenburg for passenger cars. You need at least Euro 6 for diesel or Euro 5 for petrol. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are exempt. Check your vehicle's emission class before driving into these areas.”
Re: Updated E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations
Instructor's Tip
“E-scooter rules are tighter: riders must be at least 15 years old, mandatory front and rear lights plus reflectors are required, and parking is restricted to designated zones in city centers. As a car driver, be aware of e-scooters in bike lanes.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What new safety features are required in Swedish cars from 2026?
When do I need winter tires in Sweden?
What are Sweden's miljözon Class 3 restrictions?
Are speed limits changing in Swedish cities?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Transportstyrelsen — Official regulatory body
- EU General Safety Regulation 2019/2144 — EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Distraction Warning
- Transportstyrelsen Winter Tires — Updated Winter Tire Regulations
- Trafikverket Vision Zero — Vision Zero: Lower Urban Speed Limits
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