Sweden Fines Off-Season Studded Tyres SEK 500 (2026)

Sweden fines studded tyres fitted outside the permitted season SEK 500, separate from the SEK 2,000 penalty for skipping winter tyres altogether. The mandatory period runs from 1 December to 31 March. The blood alcohol limit is 0.02%, and motorway speeds reach 110 km/h.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.02% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

Emergency Numbers in Sweden

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Sweden, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Sweden

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Sweden are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Denmark (130 km/h), Finland (120 km/h).

Sweden uses an extensive network of fixed and mobile speed cameras. The typical enforcement tolerance is about 3 km/h.

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Sweden escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: SEK 2,000 (approx. EUR 175). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: SEK 2,800 (approx. EUR 245). Over 20 km/h: SEK 4,000 (approx. EUR 350) or income-based day-fines or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: SEK 1,500 (approx. EUR 130) — no specific ban, but distracted driving applies
• Running a red light: SEK 5,000 (approx. EUR 435)
• Seatbelt violation: SEK 1,500 (approx. EUR 130)

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is SEK 1,500 (approx. EUR 130) — no specific ban, but distracted driving applies. Use hands-free devices only.

Daytime running lights are required in most situations. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels, rain, and reduced visibility.

At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Sweden is 0.02% BAC. This is stricter than Denmark (0.05% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyre requirement in Sweden: Required.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3.0 mm for adequate grip.

Studded tyres: restricted.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Sweden guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Sweden must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle

Recommended:

• Reflective vest (high-visibility)
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Spare bulbs

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

EU and EEA driving licences are valid in Sweden without additional documentation. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 12 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

EU/EEA licences valid. Non-EU visitors need IDP. Valid for 1 year.

Parking and Fuel

City-centre parking in Sweden is typically paid — use parking meters, ticket machines, or mobile payment apps. Look for P+R (park and ride) facilities on the outskirts connected to public transport.

Current fuel prices in Sweden: petrol approximately $1.88/litre, diesel $1.92/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Sweden has cold winters and mild summers. Winter driving (November to March) requires caution — ice, snow, and reduced visibility are common. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. Allow extra following distance on slippery roads.

Summer driving is generally straightforward with long daylight hours. Watch for tourist traffic near popular destinations.

Practical Driving Tips for Sweden

• Speed camera warning apps (Waze, Google Maps) are legal here.
• Dashcams are legal and recommended for evidence in case of an accident.
• Download offline maps of Sweden before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Check if you need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) or an environmental zone sticker for city driving.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.