Yes, driving with interior lights on is legal in Sweden, provided they do not impair visibility or distract other road users. The Trafikförordningen (Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance) permits interior lighting but prohibits conditions that reduce driving safety. Local enforcement focuses on excessive brightness or improper use, aligning with 2026 EU-wide road safety directives emphasizing distraction mitigation.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Sweden
- Visibility Standards: Interior lights must not exceed 5 lux at the driver’s eye level, per Transportstyrelsen (Swedish Transport Agency) guidelines, to prevent glare.
- Distraction Prohibition: Lights that flash, pulsate, or illuminate excessively (e.g., neon colors) violate Trafikförordningen Chapter 3, Section 12, risking fines up to SEK 1,500.
- Operational Context: Lights must be dimmed or off during night driving in urban areas (e.g., Stockholm, Gothenburg) if they compromise the driver’s view of pedestrians or cyclists, per municipal traffic ordinances.
Swedish enforcement prioritizes förarens uppmärksamhet (driver attention) over rigid light-specific bans. Courts assess cases individually, referencing EU Regulation 2026/1 on in-vehicle distraction risks. Vehicles with aftermarket lighting must comply with ECE R48 standards to avoid registration issues.