Find Staff

Halmstad University - For the Development of Organisations, Products and Quality of Life

Driving

When driving in Sweden - be aware that Sweden has very strict rules regarding driving and alcohol, among the strictest in Europe! Never drive under the influence of alcohol! And don't forget, in Sweden we drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Driver's licence

To be allowed to drive a car in Sweden you must be 18 years and hold a valid driver's license. For driver's licenses from EU countries the same rules apply as for Swedish licenses. For citizens from other countries, special rules apply regarding how long the license is valid in Sweden.

Driving licenses issued in non-EU/EEA countries are not valid in Sweden if the holder has been registered with their municipality in Sweden for more than one year. Thus if you are registered in Sweden and you have a Swedish personal ID number, your foreign driving license is only valid for one year. After one year, you must take a Swedish driver's license (or EU driver's license) or apply for exemption at the Swedish Transport Agency

Please note that if your license is issued in other languages than English, German or French, you must bring a certified translation.

Winter tires

In Sweden all drivers have to use winter tires, if the weather requires it, between the 1st of December and the 31st of March. i.e. when it is snowing or the roads are slippery. However, the winter tires with studs are only allowed from the 1st of October to the 15th of April unless weather conditions prescribe otherwise.

Winter tires should be marked MS, all European winter tires are marked MS. Tire chains may also be used in Sweden provided that the chains have been attached to all wheels.

For further information, please see the Swedish Transportation Agency website:
http://www.korkortsportalen.se/andra-sprak/ external link
or download "The complete guide to driving licenses" at:
http://publikationswebbutik.vv.se/shopping/ShowItem____4757.aspx