1. Keeping up with your mobile
Previously, there was no law or traffic rule against using a mobile phone while driving, as long as it did not affect your driving. The 1 February 2018 However, a ban and traffic rule against drivers holding their phone in their hand while driving was introduced. Despite this, many people continue to hold the handset in traffic, risking a fine of SEK 1 500. For more information, see Swedish Transport Agency.
2. Too short a distance
Staying too close to the vehicle in front is a direct danger to yourself and other road users. Nevertheless, many drivers do not keep their distance and obey this traffic rule. The rule of thumb is to have at least three seconds between you and the next car from a traffic sign. Let's say you're driving at 110 kilometres an hour - that's nearly 30 metres before you've even got your foot on the brake pedal. On top of that, there's a braking distance of just over 50 metres, assuming the brakes, tyres and road surface are in good condition. Keeping too short a distance from the traffic in front can cost you 2,000 crowns, with the risk of having your driving licence withdrawn.
3. Driving in the middle lane
Vänstra- och mittfilen är till för omkörning, därefter ska du återgå till höger körfält. Det gäller i alla fall på vägar där hastighetsgränsen är över 70 kilometer i timmen. Ligger du och kör konstant i mittfilen riskerar du därför böter på 500 kronor. Undantag gäller vid köbildning eller där hastighetsbegränsningen är 70 kilometer i timmen eller lägre.
4. Unclear driving
As a driver, it is important that you show in good time how you intend to act. For example, it is not allowed to drive at full speed towards an intersection and brake late, or to skip the turn signals when driving on a roundabout. In such cases, you may be liable for "failure to signal" and be fined because you risk creating uncertainty among your fellow road users.
5. Driving towards yellow
Every third driver drive towards yellow when they should have time to brake and only every second driver know when it is actually allowed to drive through a yellow light. By law, you really need to stop at a yellow light as long as there is no danger preventing you from doing so. If you are stopped by the police, this is considered running a red light and carries a fine of SEK 3 000.
6. Forgot to use turn signals
4 out of 10 drivers do not use turn signals, according to a survey by Motormen. Ignoring turn signals can cost you dearly - not only by making you a danger to your fellow road users, but also because it can result in a fine of SEK 500.
7. Too heavy a load
It's important not to load too heavily when you're out driving. Every car has a maximum load and if you exceed it, you could be fined up to SEK 4 000. Very expensive cargo, to say the least!
8. Revving the engine
Few things can be as delightful as hearing the rumbling sound of a nice car engine, but you have to be considerate. Not everyone may appreciate the way your car sounds as much as you do. Chances are you're going there to have "causing unnecessary noise with a motor vehicle" and owe a fine of 1 000 SEK.
9. Failure to let emergency vehicles through
According to Traffic Regulation all road users must leave a clear path for emergency vehicles. This means that you must move out of the way when a blue light comes on. However, remember that general traffic rules still apply!
10. Too low speed
Most people know about being caught speeding, but did you know that you can also be fined for driving too slowly? The law says that you must adjust your driving so that you don't unnecessarily obstruct or disturb other road users. So driving well below the speed limit is a traffic hazard and can cost you 1,000 crowns.
11. Forgot to honk
It may be tempting to toot your horn in certain situations, but tooting when you're not allowed can result in a hefty fine. The same applies even if you don't honk when you should. So not honking can be punishing, for example to avoid a danger or accident on the road, so make sure you know when to honk!
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Feeling like it's time to brush up on your traffic skills and rules? Book your driving lessons with us at Jarla Trafikskola, and we'll help you feel safe in traffic again!
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