Can I use my phone while driving in Sweden?
No — you may not hold the phone in your hand while driving. Since 2018 the Traffic Ordinance bans holding a phone or other communication device in your hand while driving a motor vehicle. Holding or typing on the phone brings a 1,500 kr on-the-spot fine. Hands-free, a phone in a holder and voice control are allowed — it is the holding itself that is banned. A car stopped at a red light still counts as "in traffic". Repeated or dangerous use can also become careless driving with day-fines and consequences for your licence.
📋 The rules
- Banned to hold the phone in your hand while driving
- Fine: 1,500 kr on the spot
- Hands-free and a phone in a holder are allowed
- Applies even when the car is stopped at a red light
- Dangerous use can become careless driving
🔓 Exceptions
- Emergency vehicles may use equipment when circumstances require it
- A phone fixed in a holder and used hands-free is not covered
- Glancing at a mounted screen is not the holding offence itself
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Holding the phone in your hand: 1,500 kr fine on the spot. With dangerous use it can become careless driving with income-based day-fines and a warning or revoked licence.
📎 Official sources
- Transport Agency · Phone use in traffic →
- Swedish Police · Phone use in traffic →
- Traffic Ordinance (1998:1276) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I hold the phone at a red light?
No. A car stopped at a red light still counts as in traffic, so the ban applies.
What does holding the phone cost?
1,500 kr in fines, which the police can issue directly on the spot.
Can I use hands-free?
Yes. Hands-free, a phone in a holder and voice control are allowed. It is holding the phone that is banned.
Can I use GPS on my phone?
Yes, if it sits in a holder. You may not hold it in your hand while driving.
Can it be worse than a fine?
Yes. Dangerous use can be judged as careless driving with day-fines and consequences for your licence.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I hold phone while driving sweden”
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