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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How often should you wash your car in winter in Sweden?
Wash the car regularly during the salting season and include the underbody, because Trafikverket says road salt can increase the rust problem.
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Can you take the driving theory test in English in Sweden?
Yes, the Swedish theory test for a B licence can be taken in English, and you choose the language when you book the test with Trafikverket.
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When do you need winter tyres in Sweden?
Cars in Sweden must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment from 1 December to 31 March when there are winter road conditions.
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Which side of the road do they drive on in Sweden?
Sweden drives on the right-hand side of the road, as it has done since 3 September 1967.
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Do you have to carry your driving licence in Sweden?
Yes, a driver must have the driving licence with them, and it must be handed over for inspection if a police officer or vehicle inspector asks.
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Is it worth leasing a car in Sweden?
Konsumentverket says you do not own a leased car, the contract usually runs about three years and ending it early can be very expensive.
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What is the congestion tax in Stockholm and how does it work?
Stockholm's congestion tax is a charge on vehicles driven into and out of the inner city and along Essingeleden at set times, registered automatically at payment stations.
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How many mil is too much for a used car in Sweden?
The average Swedish passenger car drove 1,243 mil in 2025, about 12,430 km, according to Trafikanalys, which gives a yardstick for judging a used car's mileage against its age.
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How much does towing a car cost in Sweden?
Towing is part of roadside assistance, which If includes in all its car insurance except traffic insurance only, and which Assistancekåren sells separately from SEK 529 a year.
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How long does it take to get a driving licence in Sweden?
The total time depends on you, but a permit normally takes up to four weeks and a passed theory test stays valid for one year.
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Can you own a car without a driving licence in Sweden?
Yes, an adult can own a car in Sweden without a driving licence, because the licence rule applies to driving, not to owning.
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How do you transfer ownership of a car in Sweden?
The seller reports the change of owner to Transportstyrelsen in Mina sidor with e-ID or on part 2 of the paper registration certificate, which must arrive within 10 days.
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What happens if you forget your driving licence at home in Sweden?
Anyone who drives without the licence on them can be fined SEK 500, but the Act makes an exception when the driver's identity can be established immediately.
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Can you drop a rental car at a different city in Sweden?
Yes, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz and Avis all offer one-way rental in Sweden, where you return the car at a different office than where you collected it.
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What is the speed limit for buses in Sweden?
A heavy bus may drive at most 100 km/h in Sweden if everyone over three on board has a seat with a seat belt, otherwise 90 km/h.
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Where can you rent a car at Arlanda?
Car rental companies at Arlanda are in the car rental area P2 Long Term Beta, which is served by bus P2 Beta Long Term, according to Swedavia.