Do you have to drive with headlights on during the day in Sweden?
What the Swedish rules say about lights in daylight, darkness and bad weather.
Short answer
Yes, in daylight you must use either dipped headlights or other light, such as daytime running lights, and the two must not be used at the same time. In darkness, dawn, dusk and bad weather the dipped headlights and the rear and side lights must also be on.
Why
- Transportstyrelsen says that in daylight you must use either dipped headlights or other light, and that the two may not be used at the same time.
- According to Transportstyrelsen, other light means light from a daytime running lamp, a fog lamp or a voltage-reduced dipped headlight.
- Visit Sweden says you must have your headlights on, even during daylight hours.
Details
Transportstyrelsen says that when a car uses daytime running lamps in daylight, its rear and side lamps do not need to be on, so on some cars the rear lights are not lit with them. In darkness, dawn, dusk and poor weather such as rain, fog or snow, make sure the dipped headlights and the rear and side lights are on. The Prosecution Authority's catalogue lists an on-the-spot fine of SEK 500 for driving without the required lights in daylight and SEK 1,200 in poor visibility. For winter driving, see winter safety basics, and for other rules, driving and road rules in Sweden.
Tip
Do not rely on automatic daytime lights in poor conditions: Transportstyrelsen notes that the lighting may need to be switched on manually.
What may differ
When you drive with a trailer, the lighting on the trailer must always be on, according to Transportstyrelsen.
Common misconception
Daytime running lights are enough in all conditions.
What actually happens
Transportstyrelsen says that in darkness, dawn, dusk and bad weather you must make sure the dipped headlights and the rear and side lights are on.
People also ask
- Do I have to use headlights in the daytime in Sweden?
- Must cars have lights on during the day in Sweden?
Sources
- Transportstyrelsen: Vehicle lightingChecked at:
- Visit Sweden: Driving in SwedenChecked at:
- Prosecution Authority: Catalogue of on-the-spot fines, Annex 1AChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Transportstyrelsen before you travel.
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