Motorists installing aftermarket “glimmers”—auxiliary position lights that remain illuminated even when the vehicle’s main headlights are switched off—risk fines and mandatory vehicle inspections. According to traffic police, these modifications violate Swedish traffic regulations due to glare risks. While factory-installed lighting on new vehicles remains legal under type-approval standards, retrofitting older cars with similar non-approved components is strictly prohibited.
The Legal Conflict: Why Aftermarket Glimmers Trigger Fines
The primary issue with glimmers is their status under the Swedish Road Traffic Ordinance (Trafikförordningen). Traffic police officer Petter Magnusson states that drivers caught with these unauthorized lights face a 500 SEK fine and a mandatory inspection. Repeated violations can lead to more severe consequences, including the potential loss of a driver’s license.
The regulation centers on the requirement for component type-approval. Anders Gunneriusson, an investigator at the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen), explains that the Vehicle Ordinance (Fordonsförordningen) mandates that only components that are type-approved for specific vehicle use are legal to install. If a light is not part of the vehicle’s original, certified design, it is effectively illegal if it remains active while the car is in operation.
Modern vehicles often feature light bars that stay illuminated in the front. These are legal because they undergo rigorous type-approval testing at the factory level, ensuring they meet EU-wide standards for glare and placement, unlike aftermarket components which lack this certification.
Regulatory Lag: European Standards vs. Swedish Enforcement
The frustration among many car owners stems from the apparent disparity between new vehicle features and aftermarket restrictions. Tord Fornander, representing the inspection industry, argues that the current tension exists because Swedish regulations have failed to keep pace with evolving EU standards for type-approval.
This “regulatory gap” creates situations where identical-looking lighting systems are legal on a new car but result in a failed inspection on an older one. The inspection industry has consistently advocated for a faster transition to modernized rules that align with European directives to reduce these conflicts.
Compliance Checklist for Vehicle Lighting
- Check for E-Markings: Only components that meet official EG-motor vehicle standards are permitted.
- Verify Operational Logic: If an auxiliary light remains on when your main headlights are active, it must be type-approved for that specific use.
- Avoid DIY Modifications: Installing non-certified position lights or “glimmers” almost always results in a failed vehicle inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are glimmers illegal on older cars but allowed on new ones?
New cars are sold with type-approved, integrated lighting systems that meet specific safety and glare requirements. Aftermarket glimmers lack this mandatory certification, making them illegal under current traffic regulations.
What is the penalty for using non-approved auxiliary lights?
According to police, the penalty is typically a 500 SEK fine plus a mandatory vehicle inspection. Multiple infractions can lead to higher-level administrative actions, including potential license revocation.
Can I make my glimmers legal?
No. If the lighting component is not type-approved for your specific vehicle and installed according to legal requirements for placement and quantity, it cannot be made “legal” through simple adjustments.
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