This summer, Swedish police issued more than 550 fines for playing excessively listening to loud music in cars.
The absolute leader in the number of violations was the Bergslagen region, where half of all cases in the country were recorded.
Since 2021, Sweden has had a law that allows for fines for “provocative behavior,” including loud music that disturbs others. The fine is 1,000 kronor (US$104), but the police consider it too low: many violators split the amount between themselves.
According to the police, the tradition of driving around in cars and turning up the music at full volume has become part of the local culture. This is especially noticeable during car events and cruises that attract hundreds of fans of loud sound.
Bergslagen police insist on tougher penalties and are discussing the possibility of creating special areas where young people could listen to music without disturbing residents.
The region has remained the leader in fines for four years in a row. Law enforcement officials explain this not only by the scale of the problem, but also by the effective work of the police: those who come here quickly understand that they cannot avoid a fine.
