Car Lights in Sweden – Headlights, Fog Lamps, Hazard Lights & Dashboard Indicators Explained

Most newer cars switch on daytime running lights automatically when you start driving in daylight. DRL makes you visible — it does not light up the road. In clear daytime conditions you can drive with DRL alone. When the light fades or visibility drops (rain, dusk, tunnels), swap to dipped beam.

• Daylight, good visibility → DRL is fine on its own.
• Do not combine DRL with fog lamps or dipped beam.
• If conditions worsen → turn the switch to dipped beam.

Dipped beam is the standard night-time light and your go-to choice whenever visibility is reduced. Use it at dusk and dawn, during rain or snow, and always in tunnels — even in daytime.

• Dipped beam may be used with parking lights (they usually come on together).
• Don't pair dipped beam with DRL or front fog lamps.
• If the road is well lit by streetlights, full beam should be off, but dipped remains on.

Parking lights are small front/rear position lamps that help others see your vehicle when it's stationary. They are not a driving light — they don't illuminate the road.

• Use when you're stopped or parked in darkness or poor visibility so the car can be seen.
• They will usually be on together with dipped or high beam (that's normal).
• Never drive using only parking lights — too dim and unsafe.

Front fog lamps produce a wide, low beam that sits under the fog and reduces glare. Use them when visibility is significantly reduced by fog or heavy rain/snow. In daytime poor-weather conditions, you may use front fogs instead of dipped beam. Don't stack them with other forward lights.

• Daytime heavy rain/fog → front fog lamps can replace dipped beam.
• Night-time in fog/heavy rain → front fog lamps may be used, but not together with dipped.
• Never combine front fog lamps with DRL or dipped beam.
• Turn them off as soon as visibility improves.

The rear fog lamp is a very bright red light that helps drivers behind you see your car in extremely poor visibility (thick fog or spray). Because it's powerful, switch it off as soon as conditions improve — otherwise you'll dazzle traffic behind.

• Use when visibility is drastically reduced.
• Turn off immediately when the view behind is clear again.

Full beam is for dark, unlit roads when you need maximum range. Dip your lights for oncoming vehicles, when following another vehicle closely, or when street-lighting is sufficient. If in doubt, flick back to dipped and re-assess.

• Use on rural/unlit roads to see far ahead.
• Switch off when you'll dazzle someone ahead (oncoming or being followed).
• Don't use full beam on well-lit streets.

Hazard lights flash all indicators at once. They're a warning signal — not a courtesy or "thank you" light.

• Use if you've broken down or had to stop suddenly where you might be a hazard.
• Use briefly to warn of an immediate danger ahead (for example, a collision around a blind bend).
• Not for normal parking or driving.

Emergency and police vehicles in Sweden use special light combinations and messages to warn, request passage, or instruct you to stop. Understanding these signals is crucial — both for safety and for the driving theory test.

• Blue flashing lights — emergency vehicle approaching. Move aside safely and allow it to pass.
• Blue and red flashing lights together — a direct signal to pull over and stop. Indicate right, stop safely, wait in the car unless told otherwise.
• "STOP POLIS" sign — illuminated text (often in the rear window/light bar). This is an official stop order. Pull over, engine off, wait for instructions.
• Amber/yellow flashing lights — road service/maintenance/tow vehicles. Proceed with caution; not a police stop signal.
• Rear red lights (escort) — "do not pass" signal. Stay behind until directed.