Driving in Sweden
Once you get the hang of driving in Sweden, it is often very pleasant as there is far less traffic here than in much of the world. Roads are generally in good condition and motorways fast.
Permission to drive
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Parking |
Rules of the road
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Winter tyres
Driving in the winter in Sweden needs the correct kind of tyres or it won’t be any fun (and it is illegal!). From 1st December until 31st March each year, you must have winter tyres on your car, even if the car is from abroad. Winter tyres are produced specifically for winter driving and are labelled M+S (M.S, M-S, M&S or Mud and Snow). Winter tyres can be studded or non-studded. Studded tyres may be used from 1 October to 15 April and the Swedish Police determine if the road conditions before or after those dates are wintry enough to require winter tyres - the road conditions are considered to be wintry when there is snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road. Generally, if the temperature is below freezing, you shouldn’t drive without winter tyres. The transport association has a great website in English for more information.
What are summer tyres then?
Summer tyres are made of a rubber mixture that is too hard to grip to cold and icy ground.
Storing the tyres not currently in use
You have two options for storing tyres. Garages will store them for you for a fee or you can store them yourself at home. They need to be kept somewhere cold, dark and dry so a shed, a covered space outside or in an unheated basement is perfect.
Driving in the winter in Sweden needs the correct kind of tyres or it won’t be any fun (and it is illegal!). From 1st December until 31st March each year, you must have winter tyres on your car, even if the car is from abroad. Winter tyres are produced specifically for winter driving and are labelled M+S (M.S, M-S, M&S or Mud and Snow). Winter tyres can be studded or non-studded. Studded tyres may be used from 1 October to 15 April and the Swedish Police determine if the road conditions before or after those dates are wintry enough to require winter tyres - the road conditions are considered to be wintry when there is snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road. Generally, if the temperature is below freezing, you shouldn’t drive without winter tyres. The transport association has a great website in English for more information.
What are summer tyres then?
Summer tyres are made of a rubber mixture that is too hard to grip to cold and icy ground.
Storing the tyres not currently in use
You have two options for storing tyres. Garages will store them for you for a fee or you can store them yourself at home. They need to be kept somewhere cold, dark and dry so a shed, a covered space outside or in an unheated basement is perfect.