Swedish Speed Limits & Safe Distances: Your Complete Guide

Sweden has established clear general speed limits that apply when no other signs are present. These defaults ensure consistent speeds across similar road types throughout the country.

School Zones and Residential Areas

In areas with high pedestrian activity, especially near schools during arrival and dismissal times, speed limits are often reduced to 30 km/h. These zones are clearly marked with signs showing the specific times when the lower limit applies.

Road Works and Temporary Limits

Construction zones typically have reduced speed limits for worker safety. These temporary limits are enforceable even when workers aren't present, as equipment and altered road conditions still pose hazards.

Vehicle-Specific Limits

The 2-second rule is the standard method for maintaining safe following distances in good conditions. This time-based approach automatically adjusts for your speed, unlike fixed distance measurements.

How to Apply the 2-Second Rule

1. Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point (signpost, bridge, shadow)
2. Count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two"
3. You should not reach the same point before finishing the count
4. If you arrive too soon, increase your following distance

Why Time Instead of Distance?

Using seconds rather than meters accounts for your speed. At 50 km/h, 2 seconds equals about 28 meters. At 110 km/h, it's approximately 61 meters. The rule automatically provides greater distance at higher speeds where stopping distances increase dramatically.

Safe driving requires adjusting both speed and following distance based on conditions. The general 2-second rule applies only to ideal conditions—you must increase distances in poor weather.

Understanding total stopping distance helps explain why safe following distances are so important. Stopping distance consists of two components:

Reaction Distance + Braking Distance = Total Stopping Distance

Reaction distance is the distance traveled during your perception and reaction time (about 1 second for alert drivers). Braking distance is the distance needed to stop once brakes are applied.

Speed and distance questions are common on Swedish driving theory tests. Understanding the principles behind these rules will help you answer correctly, even when questions are worded differently.

Common Question Types

• Calculation questions: "At 90 km/h, what is your approximate stopping distance on dry asphalt?"
• Scenario questions: "It's raining heavily. How should you adjust your following distance?"
• Rule application: "When does the general speed limit of 50 km/h apply?"
• Exception identification: "In which situation may you exceed the posted speed limit?"

Answering Strategy

Always choose the safest, most conservative option when in doubt. The theory test prioritizes safety over convenience or speed.

• Tailgating in queues: Maintaining proper distance even in slow traffic prevents chain-reaction collisions
• Misjudging winter distances: Assuming 2-second rule works on ice (it doesn't—need 6-8 seconds)
• Speed limit confusion: Forgetting that specific signs override general limits
• Inadequate adjustments: Not increasing distance enough for conditions
• Following large vehicles too closely: Blocked visibility requires extra distance

Knowledge becomes skill through consistent practice. Make these habits part of your everyday driving:

Daily Driving Checklist

• Check posted speed limits actively—don't rely on memory
• Practice the 2-second count regularly until it becomes automatic
• Adjust following distance immediately when conditions change
• Scan ahead for potential hazards that might require stopping
• Maintain greater distances behind motorcycles, bicycles, and large vehicles

Remember that these rules work together. Proper speed selection combined with adequate following distance gives you the time and space needed to avoid collisions.

• Driving Calculations & Formulas Handbook
• Right Hand Rule in Sweden
• Roundabout Priority Rules