🇸🇪 Drive Sweden with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the road.
Do You Need an IDP in Sweden?
Required If Your Licence Is Not in English, German or French
An EEA licence is valid in Sweden exactly as it is. For other foreign licences, the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) accepts the licence on its own if it is written in English, German or French, or follows the 1949 or 1968 Convention format. Anything else must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit or a certified translation into Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, English, German or French. The IDP is the simplest way to satisfy that — and Swedish rental agencies including Hertz, Europcar, and Avis routinely ask non-EU customers for one at the counter regardless, so it removes an argument before you get the keys.
Moose Hazard Warning
Sweden has approximately 6,000 moose-vehicle collisions per year, making wildlife the single biggest road hazard for visitors. Collisions peak at dawn and dusk on rural and forest roads in central and northern Sweden. Moose warning signs (yellow triangle) are posted on high-risk stretches — slow down and scan both sides of the road.
Driving Rules in Sweden
Drive on the Right
Sweden drives on the right side of the road. Headlights must be on at all times, day and night — dipped beams are required even in daylight. Roundabouts give priority to traffic already circulating inside.
Winter Tires Mandatory
Winter tires are mandatory from 1 December to 31 March when conditions are wintry. Studded tires are allowed 1 October to 15 April. Minimum tread depth is 3 mm. Rental cars come equipped during winter season but always confirm at booking.
Strict Alcohol Limits
Sweden has a blood alcohol limit of 0.02% — among the strictest in Europe. Penalties include heavy fines and license confiscation. Random breathalyzer checkpoints are common year-round, including weekday mornings.
Speed Limits & Cameras
Urban: 30–50 km/h. Rural: 70–90 km/h. Motorways: 110–120 km/h. Sweden enforces limits with automated speed cameras. Fines start at SEK 2,000 (~€175) and increase steeply with speed.
Renting a Car in Sweden
Sweden is ideal for road trips — well-maintained roads, clear signage, and stunning scenery from Gothenburg to Swedish Lapland.
Documents to Bring
Original license, passport, and credit card — plus an IDP if your licence is not in English, German or French, and in practice whenever you are renting on a non-EU licence. Minimum age is typically 20–21 depending on the agency. Under-25 surcharges of SEK 50–100/day may apply.
Typical Costs
Compact cars from SEK 400–700/day (~€35–60). Full insurance (CDW + theft) adds SEK 150–250/day. Fuel costs approximately SEK 18–20/liter for gasoline. Winter tire surcharges are rare as they come standard.
Top Rental Companies
Hertz — Major airport coverage across Sweden. Europcar — Strong presence in Stockholm and Gothenburg. Mabi — Popular local Swedish chain with competitive rates.
Get Your IDP for Sweden — From $29
Digital delivery in 1–2 business days (express as fast as 2 hours). Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Returning to Sweden? Renew your IDP with 10% loyalty discount →
Sweden IDP FAQ
Only if your licence is not written in English, German or French and does not follow the 1949 or 1968 Convention format. EEA licences are valid in Sweden as they are. Otherwise Transportstyrelsen requires the licence to be accompanied by an IDP or a certified translation into Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, English, German or French. Swedish rental agencies routinely ask non-EU customers for an IDP at the counter.
Yes, from 1 December to 31 March when conditions are wintry. Studded tires are allowed from 1 October to 15 April. Rental companies typically provide winter tires automatically during the season.
Sweden records approximately 6,000 moose-vehicle collisions annually, mostly at dawn and dusk. Watch for moose warning signs on rural roads and reduce speed in signed areas, especially in northern Sweden.