In Sweden, there are basically two speeds at which different trailers may be driven; 40 km/h and 80 km/h.
There are also trailers that can only be driven at 30 km/h, but these are not regular trailers and are discussed below.
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These trailers may be towed at 80 km/h
The maximum speed you can drive with the majority of trailers in Sweden is 80 km/h.
This applies in part to all braked trailers and caravans. The prerequisite is of course that the combination of tractor, trailer and driver’s license is legal. To calculate this, you can use the Swedish Transport Agency’s service The trailer calculator.
Even some unbraked trailers are allowed to pull at 80 km/h. In that case, the trailer’s total weight must not exceed half the car’s curb weight, or the trailer is unloaded and its curb weight does not exceed the car’s curb weight.
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These trailers may be towed at 40 km/h
However, there are certain situations where the maximum permitted speed with a trailer is only 40 km/h.
This applies in part if the trailer is equipped with an articulated drawbar and push brake, for example a trailer with a steering front axle.
40 km/h is also the maximum permitted speed for an unbraked trailer whose total weight exceeds half the car’s curb weight. The same applies to an unloaded unbraked trailer with an unladen weight that exceeds half the car’s unladen weight.
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A 30 trailer is not a trailer
There is also a type of trailer that is often called a “30-trailer” in everyday speech, which lacks both suspension and license plate. In the sense of the law, this type of trailer is not a trailer but a rear vehicle.
The basic rule is that these are not intended for transporting goods, for example a skylift. However, they may be intended for shipping certain goods, for example a boat trailer or a caravan.
An aftermarket vehicle does not need to be registered or inspected, and in addition to the driving license requirements of the towing vehicle, no special driving license is required.
The maximum speed you are allowed to drive with a rear vehicle is 30 km/h, and there must be an approved LGF triangle at the back.
The complete rules for an aftermarket vehicle are available to read The Swedish Transport Agency’s website.
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