Quick version
- From 15 January 2026, a driver's license can only be revoked on medical grounds in the event of alcohol dependence
- Alcohol abuse or hazardous use without a diagnosis of dependence is not sufficient
- Single or elevated alcohol tests (see below) are not in themselves grounds for revocation
- Alcohol tests continue to be used as medical support, not as a legal basis for decision-making in themselves
Why are the regulations changing?
In Sweden, we have previously had stricter national regulations than many other EU countries when it comes to alcohol and driving licences. In some cases, assessments have been based on laboratory values or on alcohol use that does not meet the criteria for alcohol dependence. Here you can read about the Transportstyrelsen regulations that apply prior to 15 January this year.
The Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) has now decided to:
- remove Swedish national special requirements
- harmonise the regulations with the EU driving licence directive
- more clearly distinguish between medical diagnosis and laboratory findings from alcohol tests
The purpose is to increase legal certainty and reduce the risk of driving licences being revoked without sufficient medical grounds.
What is required for a driving licence to be revoked from 2026?
The new regulations mean that the following will apply from 15 January 2026:
A diagnosis of alcohol dependence is required
Only a diagnosis of alcohol dependence can form the basis for revocation of a driving licence on medical grounds.
In practice, this means that:
- risky alcohol use
- periods of high alcohol consumption
- isolated relapses
are not sufficient in themselves if the criteria for alcohol dependence are not met.
The assessment must be made in accordance with established medical criteria and be based on an overall clinical evaluation – something that isolated blood test results alone cannot fulfil.
What applies to alcohol tests such as PEth, CDT and GT?
Alcohol tests are still used within healthcare, but their role has changed significantly in relation to medical assessments concerning the revocation of driving licences.
Important to know
- Transportstyrelsen does not require any specific alcohol tests
- Samples are taken only if a physician considers them medically justified
- A single test result can never, on its own, determine whether a driving licence should be revoked
PEth
PEth is a biomarker that can indicate whether a person has had a prolonged period of high alcohol consumption over recent weeks.
Following the regulatory changes, the following applies:
- an elevated PEth value alone is not grounds for revocation
- multiple tests and a clinical context are required for decision-making
- PEth is primarily used as support when alcohol dependence is suspected
Transportstyrelsen has not officially stated that specific laboratory tests such as CDT or GT will no longer be used in connection with driving license assessments. The ongoing regulatory work is about modernizing and simplifying the medical requirements, and the focus of the debate has been particularly on PEth tests as an indicator of alcohol consumption. Previous practice has used various markers (including CDT, GT and PEth) as part of a doctor's overall assessment of alcohol use, but as of the new rules, the medical diagnosis of alcohol dependence in itself becomes decisive for the revocation of the driver's license - regardless of the testing method used.
Is alcohol testing required to regain a driving licence?
From 15 January 2026, the following applies:
- requirements for repeated alcohol testing and medical certificates should not be used routinely
- follow-up is only relevant if alcohol dependence has been established
- individuals without a diagnosis of dependence should generally not be included in monitoring programmes
What applies if you have previously had a case with Transportstyrelsen?
Cases that:
- were initiated before the regulatory changes
- are still ongoing
may in some cases be handled under the previous regulations. How this is assessed depends on an individual evaluation.
If you are unsure what applies to your specific situation, you are advised to:
- request a clear explanation from the responsible physician or authority
- ensure that the assessment is consistent with the applicable regulations
Alcohol testing via blood samples
We offer alcohol-related blood tests such as:
These tests may be relevant in various medical contexts, for example for:
- health follow-up
- self-monitoring
- clinical evaluation
Laboratory values never replace an overall medical assessment.
If you wish to read about how alcohol tests were used under the previous regulatory framework, you can find more information in our article Alcohol tests according to Transportstyrelsen requirements.
