24.02.2025 - Last year, Swedish Customs stopped a large number of drunk drivers at the country’s border crossings. A total of 760 drivers were found to be intoxicated to the extent that it led to a criminal investigation—an increase of 24 percent compared to 2023. The highest number of drunk drivers were stopped in southern Sweden. The most concerning trend is the growing number of truck drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
“It is a disturbing development we are seeing as we summarize 2024. More than one in four intoxicated drivers was operating a heavy vehicle. We can all understand the danger posed by a driver in control of a vehicle weighing over 30 tons. No one wants to encounter such a vehicle on the road,” says Martin Norell, expert at Swedish Customs.
Increased number of inspections
During 2024, Swedish Customs intensified its efforts to detect intoxicated drivers. A total of 115,236 sobriety checks were conducted as part of routine inspections at ports and other border crossings—an increase of 33 percent compared to 2023. The number of checks on heavy vehicles also rose significantly, with over 52,000 truck and bus drivers tested, compared to 34,000 the previous year.
“We see it as an important task to stop intoxicated drivers already at the border. Since we can observe abnormal behavior and detect odors while speaking with the driver during our regular inspections, we can quickly decide to conduct a breath test. Drunk drivers should be aware that the risk of getting caught is significant because we are there, conducting breath tests,” says Martin Norell.
Most drivers stopped in Trelleborg
The port of Trelleborg stands out in the statistics. There, 111 intoxicated drivers were stopped, 74 of whom were truck drivers. In 2023, 54 truck drivers were caught in sobriety checks at Trelleborg’s port. The highest number of drunk drivers was recorded at the Öresund Bridge, with 158 cases. The majority were car and motorcycle drivers—135 in total. Additionally, three motorhome drivers were stopped.
“It is quite natural that we stopped the most intoxicated drivers at the Öresund Bridge, given the enormous traffic flow passing through every day. Preventing so many drivers who could have caused serious harm on the country’s roads is very satisfying,” says Martin Norell.
Summary of statistics
In 2024, Swedish Customs conducted 115,236 sobriety checks.
In 2023, 86,923 sobriety checks were conducted, and in 2022, the number was 62,833.
A total of 760 criminal investigations for drunk driving were initiated.
Of these, 147 involved driving under the influence of drugs.
The five areas with the highest number of intoxicated drivers stopped, where a criminal investigation was initiated:
Area | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
Öresund Bridge | 106 | 140 | 158 |
Trelleborg | 81 | 75 | 111 |
Ystad | 35 | 41 | 79 |
Helsingborg | 52 | 35 | 60 |
Karlskrona | 54 | 51 | 36 |
Source: Tullverket