Is a seat belt compulsory in Sweden?
Who must use a seat belt, what applies to children and what the fine is.
Short answer
Yes, in Sweden everyone travelling in a car must sit in a seat with a seat belt, if there is one, and use it, in the front and back. The driver is responsible for passengers under 15 using a belt or other protective device. Not wearing a belt carries an on-the-spot fine of SEK 1,500.
Why
- The Traffic Ordinance (4 kap. 10 §) says everyone travelling in a vehicle fitted with seat belts must use a seat with a belt.
- According to Transportstyrelsen, the driver must make sure passengers under fifteen use a seat belt or other special protective device.
- Visit Sweden says all passengers, both front and rear, must wear seat belts.
Details
The Prosecution Authority's catalogue lists SEK 1,500 for not using a seat belt and SEK 2,500 for a driver who has not taken suitable action to make sure passengers under 15 used a belt. Transportstyrelsen says the main rule for children is that those shorter than 135 cm must use a special protective device. For more rules, see driving and road rules in Sweden, and for planning a drive, road trips in Sweden.
Tip
Check that every passenger, including those in the back, is belted before you drive off. The driver is responsible for passengers under 15.
What may differ
Children shorter than 135 cm use a special protective device instead of, or together with, the belt. In a bus, every passenger older than three must use a belted seat if one is available, according to Transportstyrelsen.
Common misconception
Passengers in the back seat do not need a seat belt.
What actually happens
Visit Sweden says all passengers, both front and rear, must wear seat belts, and Transportstyrelsen says everyone in a car must use a belted seat if one is available.
People also ask
- Do you have to wear a seat belt in Sweden?
- Do back-seat passengers need to wear seat belts in Sweden?
Sources
- Transportstyrelsen: Seat belt rulesChecked at:
- Traffic Ordinance (1998:1276), riksdagen.seChecked 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.
Driving and road rules in SwedenRelated questions
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