Teorio
Alcohol and Drugs in Traffic
Sweden's blood alcohol limits are stricter than in many other countries, and it takes surprisingly little alcohol to break the law. Here are the limits, how alcohol and drugs affect driving ability, and what applies to medications.
Rules & Regulations
- Drunk driving occurs at a blood alcohol concentration above 0.2 per mille (BAC limit: 0.2 ‰).
- Aggravated drunk driving applies at a blood alcohol concentration of 1.0 per mille or higher.
- It is prohibited to drive under the influence of narcotic substances or other drugs that impair driving ability, regardless of whether the substance is legal or prescription-based.
- The police can carry out sobriety checks and require testing (e.g., breath or blood tests) to establish alcohol or drug impairment.
- As a driver, you are responsible for knowing and following the instructions in the medication package leaflet and for consulting healthcare professionals if a medication may affect your ability to drive.
Tips for Drivers
- If you plan to drink alcohol, arrange alternative transport in advance (taxi, public transport, or a sober driver).
- Read the package leaflet for new medications and ask your doctor or pharmacist if they may affect driving or interact with alcohol.
- Avoid combining alcohol with medications that can cause drowsiness or reduced reaction ability (e.g., some painkillers, sleeping pills, sedatives).
- If in the slightest doubt about your fitness to drive — wait to drive or choose another mode of transport. Driving when unsure is both dangerous and can have legal consequences.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that a short cup of coffee or a cold shower will quickly sober you up and restore driving ability.
- Assuming that prescription medications are always safe to combine with driving.
- Relying on a general amount (e.g., 'one beer is always okay') — the effect of alcohol varies greatly between individuals.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you will commonly get questions about the two blood alcohol limits — learn the figures 0.2 ‰ for drunk driving and 1.0 ‰ for aggravated drunk driving. Be prepared for questions about medications: the correct answer is often that you should read the package leaflet and consult healthcare personnel about driving.
Did You Know?
Swedish law has a low blood alcohol limit for drunk driving (0.2 ‰), which is stricter than in many other countries. This means even small amounts of alcohol can constitute an offense or increase risk on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as drunk driving?
Drunk driving refers to driving with alcohol in the blood above the legal limit (0.2 per mille) or driving under the influence of drugs that impair driving ability. Aggravated drunk driving is used for particularly high blood alcohol levels (1.0 per mille) or very serious impairment.
How does alcohol affect my driving?
Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, coordination and attention. The more alcohol consumed, the more diminished the ability to detect hazards and operate the vehicle safely.
Are prescription medications okay to drive on?
Some prescription medications can affect driving ability (e.g., cause drowsiness, dizziness or slower reactions). Read the package leaflet and consult the prescribing doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
What happens if the police suspect I am under the influence?
The police can perform a sobriety check and request testing. If tests show a too-high alcohol level or presence of drugs, it can lead to a criminal investigation, actions affecting your driver's license, and criminal penalties.
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