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Do you have to carry your driving licence in Sweden?

The carrying rule, the fine and what counts instead of the card.

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Short answer

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. Not carrying it can cost SEK 500, with exceptions, for example when the driver's identity can be established immediately.

Driving and traffic rules Illustration of a car on a forest road with a moose warning sign and a car key

Why

  1. According to the Driving Licence Act, anyone driving a car, lorry, bus, motorcycle or class I moped must carry the licence.
  2. According to the Act, the licence must be handed over for inspection if a vehicle inspector or police officer asks for it.
  3. According to the Swedish Prosecution Authority, not carrying the licence or an ID document is an order fine of SEK 500.

Details

Sweden has not introduced digital licences, and Transportstyrelsen says it is unclear when they will arrive, so the card is what you carry. A newly issued licence that has not been collected can be replaced by an ID document for trips within two months of the date of issue. For more rules for drivers, see driving and traffic rules in Sweden.

Tip

Carry the physical card every time you drive, since Transportstyrelsen says it is still unclear when Sweden will introduce digital licences.

What may differ

Class II mopeds, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles follow the same pattern with the förarbevis: the order fine is also SEK 500 if you carry neither the förarbevis nor an ID document.

People also ask

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Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Swedish Prosecution Authority (Åklagarmyndigheten) before you drive.

Driving and traffic rules
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