Can you get a fine for driving too slowly on the motorway in Sweden?
What the Traffic Ordinance says about excessively low speed, and who may use a motorway.
Short answer
Yes, you can be fined in Sweden for driving at an excessively low speed without a valid reason, and the on-the-spot fine listed is SEK 1,000. The rule gives no speed figure, and only motor vehicles that can be driven at 40 km/h or more may use a motorway.
Why
- According to the Traffic Ordinance (3 kap. 16 §), a driver may not without a valid reason drive at an excessively low speed, brake suddenly or otherwise hinder other drivers.
- The Prosecution Authority's catalogue of on-the-spot fines lists SEK 1,000 for driving at an excessively low speed without a valid reason, braking suddenly or otherwise hindering other drivers.
- NTF says only motor vehicles that can be driven, and are allowed to be driven, at 40 km/h or more may use a motorway (9 kap. 1 § of the Traffic Ordinance).
Details
NTF adds that tractors, mopeds, bicycles and horse-drawn vehicles may not use a motorway, that the hard shoulder is for emergency stops only, and that the speed there can vary up to a maximum of 120 km/h. If you must stop in an emergency, see the emergency number in Sweden. For other road rules, see driving and road rules in Sweden.
Tip
If your car cannot keep up with traffic, for example because of a fault, stop safely and switch on the hazard lights. Trafikverket says to set out the warning triangle where the speed limit is above 50 km/h.
What may differ
What counts as excessively low depends on the situation: the Ordinance gives no figure, and the same rule also covers sudden braking and other hindrance to other drivers.
Common misconception
Driving slowly is never an offence as long as you stay under the speed limit.
What actually happens
The Traffic Ordinance (3 kap. 16 §) bans excessively low speed without a valid reason, and the Prosecution Authority's catalogue lists an on-the-spot fine of SEK 1,000.
People also ask
- Can you be fined for driving too slowly in Sweden?
- How slowly can you drive on a motorway in Sweden?
Sources
- Traffic Ordinance (1998:1276), riksdagen.seChecked at:
- Prosecution Authority: Catalogue of on-the-spot fines, Annex 1AChecked at:
- NTF: Motorways and motor roadsChecked at:
- Trafikverket: If your car breaks downChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Transportstyrelsen and the Swedish Police before you travel.
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