Transport Authority Proposes New Rules on Driving License Revocations Linked to Alcohol Use

The Swedish Transport Authority has proposed significant changes to the regulations governing the revocation of driving licenses due to suspected alcohol misuse. This move follows recent reviews and public scrutiny regarding the methods used to assess drivers' alcohol consumption and the subsequent withdrawal of driving privileges.

Currently, a person's driving license can be revoked based on the results of two PEth blood tests, which measure the presence of phosphatidylethanol--a biomarker indicating alcohol consumption. Under the existing framework, the authority has treated the Social Board of Health and Welfare's definition of 'risky use' of alcohol as equivalent to 'substance abuse,' which has led to administrative actions, including the loss of driving privileges, even in cases where medical professionals did not consider individuals to pose a traffic safety risk.

Critics have argued that the reliance on PEth tests and the broad interpretation of 'risky use' have resulted in decisions that may not adequately consider individual circumstances or medical assessments. Concerns have also been raised about the legal security and fairness of revoking licenses without a formal diagnosis of dependency or direct evidence of impaired driving ability.

In response to these concerns, the Transport Authority has proposed new guidelines that would require a formal diagnosis of dependency-related illness for a license to be revoked due to alcohol use. This adjustment aims to align Swedish practices with those of other European Union member states and to support modern, simplified procedures in both healthcare and administrative processes.

According to the authority, these changes are designed to maintain road safety while ensuring that regulations are fair, up to date, and consistent with broader European standards. The proposed measures are expected to reduce the administrative burden on healthcare providers and enhance the legal protections for individuals undergoing assessment.

This development follows recent public debate and media coverage that questioned the authority's previous approach, particularly the use of medical tests--originally intended to guide treatment decisions--as a basis for legal sanctions. The authority's new proposal signals a shift towards more robust criteria for license revocation and reflects a commitment to addressing identified shortcomings in the current system.

The proposal has been circulated for public comment and will undergo further review before any changes are formally implemented. The Transport Authority emphasizes that the primary objective remains the protection of road safety, but also acknowledges the importance of ensuring that administrative decisions are based on clear legal and medical standards.

Stakeholders in healthcare, law, and road safety have been invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes. The outcome of this process will likely shape the future of alcohol-related driving license regulations in Sweden, with implications for both public safety and individual legal rights.