Are snow chains allowed in Sweden?
How snow chains fit into the Swedish winter tyre rule, and what a rental company says.
Short answer
Yes, snow chains are treated as equivalent equipment to winter tyres in Sweden, according to Transportstyrelsen's general advice, which also names sand spreaders. The requirement applies from 1 December to 31 March when there are winter road conditions, and Avis says chains may be used on black ice or snow.
Why
- Transportstyrelsen's general advice says vehicles with suitable anti-skid equipment, for example snow chains or sand spreaders, should be regarded as having equivalent equipment.
- Transportstyrelsen says cars must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment between 1 December and 31 March when there are winter road conditions.
- Avis says the use of snow chains is allowed on black ice or snow, that Avis cannot fit chains for you, and that they can be reserved only at participating rental stations.
Details
According to Transportstyrelsen, winter road conditions mean snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road. Its winter tyre page uses the phrase winter tyres or equivalent equipment, and the examples of equivalent equipment come from the general advice in regulation TSFS 2025:68. For the full picture, see winter tyres and studs in Sweden and when winter starts in Sweden.
Tip
If you rent a car and want chains, ask before you book, because Avis says chains can only be reserved at participating rental stations. Offices are listed under car rental in Stockholm.
What may differ
Heavy lorries and heavy buses have separate rules: Transportstyrelsen says they must have winter tyres or equivalent equipment from 10 November to 10 April.
Common misconception
You have to carry snow chains in Sweden in winter.
What actually happens
Transportstyrelsen's rule is winter tyres or equivalent equipment, and snow chains are named only as one example of equivalent equipment.
People also ask
- Can I use snow chains in Sweden?
- Are snow chains legal in Sweden?
Sources
- Transportstyrelsen: Regulation TSFS 2025:68Checked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Winter tyresChecked at:
- Avis Sweden: Winter equipmentChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Transportstyrelsen before you travel.
Winter tyres and studsRelated questions
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How often does a car need inspection in Sweden?
A passenger car is inspected first within 36 months of the month it was put into traffic.
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Can you take a Swedish rental car to Denmark or Norway?
Sixt says its rental cars may be taken from Sweden to Denmark, Finland and Norway, while Hertz and Avis require written permission before you drive outside Sweden.
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Do you need a credit card to rent a car in Sweden?
Hertz accepts debit cards, but a renter paying with one must also show a credit card at pickup, so a credit card is the safe choice.
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Where can you find EV charging stations in Stockholm?
You find EV chargers in Stockholm with apps and maps such as ChargeFinder and PlugShare, or in an operator's app such as Vattenfall InCharge.