Sweden is known as the land of moose and lakes and is a popular destination for Germans, especially campers. Whether they are passing through on their way to Norway, on a road trip through Sweden or as a short trip from Denmark. But what are the traffic rules in Sweden, what is the maximum speed limit and what about tolls and compulsory inventory in the vehicle? In the following I will give you an insight into driving in Sweden – caravans and motorhomes are of course also included.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- Speed limits in Sweden
- Parking in Sweden
- Tolls in Sweden
- Vehicle size dimensions in Sweden
- Blood alcohol limit Sweden
- Safety vests, warning triangle & co in Sweden
- Summer tires, winter tires and snow chains in Sweden
- Emergency numbers in Sweden
- Driving with children in Sweden
- Other traffic rules in Sweden
- Important to know in Sweden!
Speed limits in Sweden
Of course, there are also speed limits in the traffic regulations in Sweden. But what is the maximum speed allowed in Sweden? You can find an overview here. However, it should be said in advance that Sweden generally has a speed limit according to the signs, which may differ from the information given here.
Maximum speed in Sweden for cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t
- In urban areas 30-50 km/h
- Out of town 60-100 km/h
- Freeways: 90-120 km/h
However, it is important to pay attention to the signs, which often deviate from these speed limits in Sweden.
Speed limit in Sweden for motorhomes over 3.5 t up to 7.5 t
The speed limit in Sweden distinguishes whether the vehicle is registered as a “motorhome” or not.
Speed limit in Sweden for motorhomes over 3.5 t (entered as such in the vehicle registration document)
- In urban areas 30-50 km/h
- Out of town 60-100 km/h
- Freeways: 90-120 km/h
However, it is important to pay attention to the signs, which often deviate from these speed limits in Sweden.
Speed limit in Sweden for vehicles over 3.5 t (not registered as a motorhome in the vehicle registration document)
- In urban areas 50 km/h
- Out of town 80 km/h
- Freeways: 90 km/h
However, it is important to pay attention to the signs, which very often deviate from these speed limits in Sweden.
Maximum speed in Sweden for caravan combinations
- In urban areas 30-50 km/h
- Out of town 60-80 km/h
(under certain technical conditions only 40 km/h) - Expressways: 80 km/h
(under certain technical conditions only 40 km/h) - Freeways: 80 km/h
(under certain technical conditions only 40 km/h)
Exceeding the speed limits indicated on the signs is very expensive in Sweden.
Parking in Sweden
There are special regulations in Sweden, not only for driving but also for parking. I will introduce you to the most important ones here:
- Streetcars have right of way in Sweden.
- Parking is prohibited 10 meters in front of and behind crosswalks in Sweden. Parking is also prohibited in front of and behind intersections and level crossings.
- A solid yellow line indicates a no stopping zone.
- A dashed yellow line indicates a no stopping zone.
- Parking against the direction of travel is prohibited.
As far as parking in Sweden is concerned, there are many signs, which can also vary from place to place.
- A parking disk must generally be used in free parking spaces.
- Paid parking spaces have the addition “avgift”.
- Parking fees in Sweden are also paid at parking ticket machines by credit card or app.
- Parking is not permitted in some parking areas on certain days of the week. It is therefore useful to know the Swedish names of the individual days of the week (måndag, tisdag, onsdag, torsdag, fredag, lördag and Söndag)
- The term “boende” stands for residents, who pay less in the corresponding parking area.
- The times on parking signs are also slightly different than in Germany:
- The top normal numbers (white or black) are for working days.
- The numbers in brackets (white or black) are for Saturdays or weekdays directly before public holidays.
- The figures in red are for Sundays and public holidays.
Tolls in Sweden
Most of the transport network in Sweden is toll-free. Exceptions are a few bridges, such as the Öresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark. A so-called city toll is also payable in major cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg. The bill is automatically sent to the vehicle owner’s address.
Info
You can read more about the toll in Sweden here.
Vehicle size dimensions in Sweden
In Sweden, a maximum width of 2.60 meters applies to trailers/caravans (with load). The combination may not exceed a maximum length of 24 meters. Exceptions are only possible after approval.
Blood alcohol limit Sweden
Sweden has a blood alcohol limit of 0.2.
Safety vests, warning triangle & co in Sweden
As in Germany, a warning triangle and a first aid kit must be carried in the vehicle in Sweden. Carrying high-visibility vests and a fire extinguisher is only recommended and not mandatory.
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Summer tires, winter tires and snow chains in Sweden
- In Sweden, winter tires are mandatory from the beginning of December to the end of March. The tread depth must be at least 3 mm. (For vehicles over 3.5 tons, a tread depth of at least 5 mm applies in winter).
- Winter tires are also mandatory for trailers.
- The use of snow chains is generally permitted in Sweden if the road is covered with snow or ice. If this is mandatory, signs will indicate that snow chains must be used.
- Spikes may only be used in Sweden between October 1 and April 15. For example, there is a maximum number of studs and signposted exceptions. If they are used, the studs must be mounted on all tires and also on the trailer.
- The tread depth of vehicle tires must be at least 1.6 mm in summer.
Emergency numbers in Sweden
Info
Emergency numbers in Sweden
Uniform emergency number: 112
Police: 112
Fire brigade: 112
From cell phone: Swedish area code 0046 + emergency number
ADAC breakdown assistance: 0049 89 22 22 22
Driving with children in Sweden
Children up to the age of 12 and up to 1.35 meters must be transported in a child seat that corresponds to their weight and height.
Other traffic rules in Sweden
- Seat belts are compulsory in Sweden.
- It is forbidden for the driver to use a cell phone while driving.
- In Sweden, you must drive with dipped headlights on all day.
- The right-before-left rule also applies in Sweden at small junctions where you would not expect it. You should therefore always keep an eye on the signs.
- The use and even the carrying of radar detectors is prohibited.
- In Sweden, it is compulsory to carry anti-freeze and a snow shovel in winter.
Important to know in Sweden!
Roads with “Beware of Moose” signs should be driven on with caution, especially at dusk and in the dark. In the event of a wildlife accident, the police must be informed, even if the animal was not injured.
Every country has its own special traffic signs. Sweden also has its own special features. Here you will find an overview of all traffic signs that are used in Sweden.
I hope this overview of traffic rules in Sweden is helpful for you. As you can see, the traffic regulations in Sweden are by and large very similar to those in Germany, but some information about driving and safety in the country is certainly interesting to know. I wish you a good and safe vacation in Sweden by car or camper.
All information is as of February 2021.
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