How Does Driving Rules Work in Sweden?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Drive on the right, carry winter tyres from December to March, watch for moose at dawn and dusk, and respect Sweden's near-zero 0.02% BAC drink-drive limit enforced by widespread speed cameras.
2What You Need to Know
Sweden drives on the right with standard European road signs. Speed cameras are widespread and strictly enforced. Congestion charges apply in Stockholm and Göteborg and are billed automatically to the registered vehicle. Winter tyres are legally mandatory from December 1 to March 31 (or earlier if conditions require) — hire cars in Sweden during this period will have winter tyres fitted. The moose (älg) road hazard is serious: moose-vehicle collisions are common, often fatal, and occur most often at dawn and dusk — reduce speed in forested areas during these times. Road infrastructure is excellent throughout the country.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Watch for moose warning signs on forested roads, especially at dawn and dusk — moose are extremely large, often fatal in a collision, and can appear suddenly from dense forest
- 2Congestion charges in Stockholm and Göteborg are applied automatically to your vehicle's registration plate — check whether your hire car company adds admin fees for this
- 3Confirm winter tyres are fitted before driving any hire car from December through March — driving without them in winter conditions is illegal and genuinely dangerous
Important Warning
Moose on roads are a genuine, serious hazard in Sweden — collisions are frequently fatal. Reduce speed and heighten vigilance on forested roads, particularly at dawn and dusk.
How does this compare?
Driving Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drive on the right; parts of the Autobahn have no speed limit, but strict enforcement applies everywhere else and drink-driving laws are among Europe's toughest.
Drive on the left; speed is in mph not km/h; central London has a daily congestion charge; and motorway etiquette requires keeping left except when overtaking.
Drive on the right, blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, speed cameras are extremely common, and toll roads (autoroutes) are fast but expensive.
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