Blood Alcohol Limits in Sweden
ALL Drivers
- Maximum: 0.2 promille (0.02%)
- One of Europe's strictest
- Effectively near-zero tolerance
- No exceptions
Categories
0.2-1.0 promille (Rattfylleri)
- Fine: Based on income (day fines)
- License revocation: 12 months typically
- Criminal record
Over 1.0 promille (Grovt Rattfylleri)
- "Gross drunk driving"
- Prison sentence (commonly 1-2 months)
- License revocation: Minimum 2 years
- May need alcolock to get license back
Penalties
Sweden uses "day fines" based on income:
- Number of days × daily income percentage
- Can result in very high fines for high earners
- Prison for serious offenses
Alcolock Program
- Required for some offenders
- Vehicle won't start if alcohol detected
- Typically 2 years
- Alternative to longer license revocation
Enforcement
- Random roadside checks common
- Police have breath testing equipment
- Very high compliance culture
- Social stigma significant
Important Notes
- Even 0.2 is very easy to reach
- One drink can put you over
- Next morning risk is real
- Sweden takes this extremely seriously