Priority Rules in Sweden: Give Way, Stop and Right-Hand Rule

Priority rules decide who goes first when paths cross. They are a large part of the Swedish theory test and one of the most common reasons for a failed driving test, because hesitating too long or entering too early are both errors. The rules below come from Trafikförordningen (1998:1276), the Swedish traffic ordinance.

The order of authority

Before you apply any single rule, check which kind of instruction is in charge. In Sweden the order is:

A police officer's instructions override traffic rules and all signs, markings and signals (2 kap. 3 §).
Traffic signals, signs and road markings override the general traffic rules (2 kap. 2 §). A steady light in a traffic signal overrides a give-way or stop sign at the same place.
General traffic rules, such as the right-hand rule, apply when nothing else regulates the junction.

A good habit is to name the rule before every junction: officer, signal, sign, marking or general rule.

The right-hand rule (högerregeln)

When two vehicles' paths cross, the driver has to give way to the vehicle approaching from the right (3 kap. 18 §), unless another rule applies. In practice, the right-hand rule is what you use at unsigned junctions, often in residential areas.

Key points:

It applies to vehicles, including cyclists coming from the right on the roadway.
A wider or busier road does not get priority automatically. Unless it is marked, the right-hand rule decides.
Approach unsigned junctions at a speed that lets you stop if someone appears from the right.

Give way (väjningsplikt)

A give-way sign, often together with a line of triangles on the road (hajtänder, "shark's teeth"), means you must let traffic on the crossing road pass. Slow down early so the other drivers can see that you intend to give way, and stop if needed. You do not have to stop if the road is clear, but you must be able to.

Stop (stopplikt)

A stop sign means a full stop, even if the road looks empty. You must stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop immediately before you drive into the crossing road (3 kap. 19 §). After stopping, you also have to give way to traffic on the crossing road. Rolling slowly past the line breaks the rule, and it is a typical wrong answer on the theory test.

Priority roads (huvudled)

A priority road is marked with a sign. Drivers entering it from a side road normally have a give-way or stop sign. If you join a priority road, motorway or expressway where there is no acceleration lane, you must give way to traffic on that road. This does not apply if you join without changing lanes (3 kap. 21 §).

Situations where you must give way to everyone

Under 3 kap. 21 §, you must give way to every vehicle whose path crosses yours when you drive onto a road:

from a car park, a property, a petrol station or a similar area
from a track, field road or similar exit
from a cycle path, pedestrian street, a walking-speed area (gångfartsområde), a cycle street or terrain
after crossing a footpath or cycle path

You also give way to vehicles on the roadway when you enter it from the hard shoulder.

Roundabouts

When you enter a roundabout, you must give way to every vehicle already in it (3 kap. 22 §). Signal right before you leave, and when you exit, give way to pedestrians on crossings and, where there is a cycle crossing, to cyclists who are on it or about to ride onto it.

Turning, oncoming traffic and blocked junctions

A driver who turns, or who leaves or crosses the roadway, must make sure this can be done without obstructing oncoming traffic or traffic on the road they enter (3 kap. 24 §). When turning left, oncoming traffic going straight goes first.

Do not drive into a junction if you will have to stop inside it and block crossing traffic (3 kap. 20 §).

Emergency vehicles using sirens, trains and trams must be given a free path. A tram only has to give way when a sign says so.

Typical theory test traps

The bigger road question. A picture shows a wide road and a small side road with no signs. The right-hand rule still applies.
Stop sign with a clear road. The answer is always a full stop at the line.
Exit from a car park on the right. You do not get priority from the right-hand rule when leaving a parking area. You give way to everyone.
Signals versus signs. A steady light in a working traffic signal overrides a give-way or stop sign at the same junction. If the signal is switched off, the signs apply.
Roundabout entry. Vehicles already in the roundabout go first, even if they come from your left.
Cyclist on a cycle crossing. Drivers give way, and the cyclist does not have to give way when crossing on it.

FAQ

Does the right-hand rule apply in Sweden?

Yes. At junctions without signs, signals or markings, you give way to vehicles coming from the right. Signs, signals and police instructions override it.

Do I have to stop completely at a stop sign in Sweden?

Yes. You must stop at the stop line, or before entering the crossing road if there is no line, even if no one is coming.

Who has priority in a Swedish roundabout?

Vehicles already in the roundabout. Drivers entering it have to give way to all traffic in the circulation.

Practise priority until it is automatic

Priority questions are easier when you have seen many variations of the same junction. Körkort Hero has category B priority and junction questions with explanations in 16 languages, so you can practise naming the right rule quickly before you meet the situation in real traffic.

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