Driving in Sweden
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Sweden.
Can You Drive in Sweden?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: EU licenses: valid indefinitely while visiting. Non-EU licenses: valid for up to 1 year
Important Note
EU/EEA licenses are fully valid in Sweden. Non-EU visitors can drive with their home license for up to 1 year. An IDP is recommended for non-EU license holders, especially if the license is not in Latin script or English. After 1 year of residency, a Swedish license is required.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Warning triangle
- Winter tires (December 1 to March 31 when winter conditions prevail — studded tires allowed October 1 to April 15)
- Proof of insurance
- Winter tires (December 1 - March 31)
Recommended Items
- Reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Tow rope
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
Stockholm congestion charge: SEK 11–45 per passage depending on time of day; Gothenburg congestion charge: SEK 9–22; Øresund Bridge: approximately SEK 490 for cars
Sweden has congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg rather than traditional toll roads. Charges are deducted automatically via camera when passing through charging points. Foreign vehicles must register with the Swedish Transport Agency or pay via Epass24. The Svinesund Bridge (to Norway) also has a toll.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- Use the EasyPark or Aimo Park app for mobile parking payment throughout Sweden
- In Stockholm, congestion charges (trängselskatt) apply when entering/leaving the city center on weekdays — charged automatically via camera
- Many parking areas accept card payment only — cash is rarely accepted in Sweden
Average Cost: SEK 20–60/hour in Stockholm city center; SEK 10–30/hour in smaller cities
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Speeding even slightly — Sweden has one of the strictest speed enforcement systems in Europe with fixed cameras, mobile cameras, and section control (average speed cameras)
- 2Not using dipped headlights at all times — mandatory 24/7 in Sweden year-round
- 3Driving without winter tires between December 1 and March 31 when roads are icy or snowy — it is illegal and your insurance may be voided
- 4Underestimating distances in northern Sweden — Malmö to Kiruna is over 1,700 km
Traffic Fines
Speeding
SEK 2,000–4,000 for on-the-spot fines (up to 30 km/h over); higher speeds result in prosecution with income-based fines (dagsböter)
No Seatbelt
SEK 1,500
Phone Use
SEK 1,500 (handheld phone use while driving)
Red Light
SEK 3,000
Illegal Parking
SEK 400–1,300 depending on zone and city
Ready to Drive in Sweden?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
112 (emergency) / 114 14 (non-emergency police)
Ambulance
112
Fire
112
Roadside Assistance
Assistancekåren: 020-912 912 — Sweden's main roadside assistance service; also SOS International for travelers
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Sweden Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
