Driving after drugs in Sweden (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: Driving after taking a narcotic is an offence if any narcotic substance remains in the blood, with no numerical limit. Narcotics taken as prescribed are excepted. The penalty is a fine or up to 6 months in prison, or up to 2 years for a gross offence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug use | Any use is an offence [1] |
| THC thresholdDriving a car after drug use | No numerical limit. Driving is an offence if any narcotic substance remains in the blood during or after the drive. [1] |
| Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug use | Exception for prescribed medicine [1] |
| Police screening testDriving a car after drug use | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug use | Drink and drug driving (rattfylleri): a fine or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Gross offence (grovt rattfylleri): imprisonment of up to 2 years. [1] |
Notes
- The offence covers narcotic substances as defined in section 8 of the Narcotic Drugs Punishments Act (1968:64). A driver who is so affected by another substance that they cannot drive safely can also be convicted (section 4, third paragraph).
- The exception in section 4 applies to narcotics taken in line with a prescription by a doctor or another person entitled to prescribe.
- The Police page read describes breath alcohol tests and a routine eye examination only. No official page read describes a roadside drug test.
Sources
- Sveriges riksdag (Svensk författningssamling): Lag (1951:649) om straff för vissa trafikbrott (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.