For anyone who regularly drives on the majority of the UK roads will know what a nightmare it can be.

Well with the exception of rush hour traffic in the larger cities, you will experience what a joy it is to drive on the Swedish roads. Most of the time is spent passing through beautiful countryside. With the occasional urban conurbation.

Legal considerations....

Drinking and driving:
If level of alcohol in bloodstream 0.02 per cent or more severe penalties include fines and/or prison.
Driving licence: Minimum age at which UK licence holder may drive temporarily imported car 18, motorcycle 17. NOTE UK driving licences which do not incorporate a photograph will not be recognised unless accompanied by photographic proof of identity e.g. passport.

Fines:
Police can impose but not collect fines on-the-spot. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed away.

Fuel:
Unleaded (95, 96 & 98 octane) available. Petrol in can permitted (duty + vat payable). Diesel available. LPG limited availability. Credit cards accepted at filling stations; check with your card issuer for usage in Sweden before travel. There are no petrol stations on the motorways as they are situated on the exits.

Lights:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Fines will be imposed for inadequate lighting.

Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Wearing of crash helmets compulsory.

Motor insurance:
Third-party compulsory. See also General Information.

Passengers/children in cars:
Child of 7 or under cannot travel as passenger unless using suitable restraint system. See also General Information.

Seat belts:
Compulsory for front-/rear-seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.

Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private vehicles without trailers. In built-up areas 31mph (50km/h), outside built-up areas 43mph (70km/h) on all minor roads and those with a high traffic density; on all others (including motorways) 55mph (90km/h) or 68mph (110km/h) according to signs.

Special features:
Warning triangle compulsory. Recommended that visitors equip their vehicle with first-aid kit and, if mobile home or caravan, fire extinguisher. Beware game (moose, deer, etc – warning sign depicts animal most common on a particular stretch of road) as this constitutes a very real danger on many roads. From 1 Dec to 31 March, when the roads are covered in snow and ice, it is strongly recommended that winter tyres are used, as these are compulsory for vehicles registered in Sweden.