Driving, car rental and congestion charges
Licences, car rental, Swedish road rules, winter driving, wildlife on the roads, how congestion and infrastructure charges are paid, and where to fuel or charge.
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What is the alcohol limit for driving in Sweden?
The Swedish drink-driving limit is two tenths of a per mille of alcohol in the blood, and drivers above it risk a fine or up to six months in prison.
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How do you exchange a foreign driving licence for a Swedish one?
Licences from other EEA countries, Switzerland, Japan, the United Kingdom and the Faroe Islands can be exchanged for a Swedish licence through Transportstyrelsen.
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Do you need an international driving permit in Sweden?
No, an international driving permit is not needed if your licence is in English, German or French or follows the Geneva or Vienna convention model.
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Why did Sweden switch to driving on the right?
Sweden switched to right-hand traffic to match the rest of Europe, since more people drove across borders and most Swedish cars had left-hand steering.
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When did Sweden switch to driving on the right?
Sweden switched from left-hand to right-hand traffic on Sunday 3 September 1967, a day known as Dagen H.
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How long does it take to drive around Gotland?
No source checked gives a driving time around Gotland, but Gotland's official visitor guide says every point can be reached within an electric car's range of 150–200 km.
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How do you get a driving licence in Sweden as a foreigner?
Foreigners can take a Swedish B licence if they live in Sweden permanently or have studied here for at least six months, and are 18.
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How long does it take to drive across Sweden?
Visit Sweden gives about seven hours for the 640 km from Stockholm to Umeå on the E4, and Sweden's longest north-south distance is 1,572 km.
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Can you pay vehicle tax monthly in Sweden?
Vehicle tax is normally paid in advance for one year, and Transportstyrelsen says you cannot choose to split the payment in any other way.
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How old do you have to be to rent a car in Sweden?
The minimum age to rent a car in Sweden depends on the company: Hertz rents from 18, Avis and Sixt from 19, and Mabi from 20 for most cars.
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How do you pay for EV charging in Sweden?
You can pay for public EV charging in Sweden with an operator's app, a charging card or tag, or directly at the charger, depending on the operator.
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Can you drive a diesel car in Stockholm?
Yes, diesel cars may be driven in Stockholm, but on Hornsgatan the class 2 environmental zone requires diesel cars to meet Euro 6.
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Can you drive from Denmark to Sweden?
Yes, you can drive from Denmark to Sweden over the Öresund Bridge, where a passenger car pays SEK 690 each way at the toll station from 14 September 2026.
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How old do you have to be to drive in Sweden?
You must be 18 to get a licence for a car in Sweden, while supervised practice in a car may start at 16.
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How do you book a car inspection (besiktning) in Sweden?
Book online at an inspection company by entering the registration number and choosing station, date and time.
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When is congestion tax charged in Gothenburg?
Congestion tax in Gothenburg is charged on weekdays from 06:00 to 18:29, with the highest amount at 07:00–07:59 and 15:30–16:59.