A train cannot swerve and needs a long distance to stop. A tram runs on fixed rails. A bus stops often and its passengers step out into traffic. The Swedish traffic rules (Trafikförordningen 1998:1276) treat all three specially, and the theory test checks the details.

Trains and trams have priority

The basic rule is simple: you must give way to a train or a tram. If necessary, you must stop. The only exception is when a sign shows that the tram driver has to give way, for example a give way sign (B1) placed for the tram track.

Trafikverket's advice is to always stop, look and listen at level crossings. Trains are quiet, fast and have a long braking distance.

Level crossing signs you must recognise

Vägmärkesförordningen (2007:90) uses these signs before a level crossing (plankorsning):

  • A35 Warning for railway crossing with barriers.
  • A36 Warning for railway crossing without barriers.
  • A37 Warning for crossing with tramway without barriers.
  • A38 Distance to level crossing. Outside built-up areas, boards with three, two and one bars count down the distance in thirds.
  • A39 St Andrew's cross (kryssmärke). It stands immediately before the crossing.

The safety equipment at the crossing itself:

  • Y1 Light signal: two red lights flashing alternately. It means stop. You may not pass the stop line, or the signal if there is no line.
  • Y2 Sound signal: a ringing sound that also means stop.
  • Y3 Barrier: full or half barrier. The barrier has a red light that flashes from the moment it starts to lower until it is fully up again.

How to cross a railway safely

Trafikförordningen 3 kap. 7 § sets out what every driver must do:

  • Be especially careful and watch for an approaching train or tram.
  • Adapt your speed so that you can stop before the crossing.
  • Cross without unnecessary delay.

You may not drive onto the crossing:

  1. if a train or tram is approaching,
  2. when a red light shows, a sound signal rings or a barrier is lowering, is down or is rising,
  3. if there is a risk that you will have to stop on the crossing, for example because of a queue on the other side.

If you may not cross, stop at a safe distance from the crossing and before the signals or barriers.

Trafikverket adds: if the lights start flashing as you reach the barriers, stop before them if you can. If you cannot, drive on. Never stop on the track. Half barriers only close the right-hand lane, and weaving around them is not allowed. Barriers that stay down with no train in sight are no excuse to drive through.

Overtaking, stopping and parking near the tracks

  • Overtaking: you may not overtake just before or on a level crossing, unless it has barriers or is controlled by traffic signals of the type used at road junctions. Two-wheeled vehicles without a sidecar may still be overtaken.
  • Stopping: you may not stop or park on a crossing with a railway or tramway.
  • Parking: you may not park on the road within 30 metres of a level crossing.

If your car stops on the crossing

If your vehicle is stuck on a level crossing and cannot be moved at once, the law says the driver must take the steps needed for the passengers' safety and to warn the drivers of trains or trams. Get everyone out and away from the track first.

Every crossing has a five-digit ID number. It is written on the back of the St Andrew's cross placed before the crossing, on the right-hand side in your direction of travel. In an emergency, call 112 or use the 112 app. For faults at a crossing, such as a broken barrier, Trafikverket's number is 0771-66 11 00, and they ask for the crossing ID.

Meeting and overtaking trams

  • When you meet a tram on the road, keep to the right.
  • A tram is overtaken on the right. You may overtake on the left only where the position of the rails requires it and it is safe, or on a one-way carriageway when traffic allows.
  • Slow down well when you approach a tram, bus or school transport that has stopped to let passengers on or off.
  • If you are going to pass on the right of a tram or bus that has stopped at a stop without a refuge island, you must stop and let passengers get on and off.

Traffic lights with the symbols S, a horizontal bar and a vertical bar or arrow are public transport signals. They apply to trams and buses in regular service, not to you, unless they are placed at a bus lane you are driving in.

Buses, bus lanes and bus stops

  • Letting a bus pull out: where the speed limit is 50 km/h or lower, you must slow down and let a bus leave the stop when the bus driver signals to start. Stop if needed.
  • Bus lanes: a lane marked with sign D10 or the road marking BUSS is for vehicles in regular service. If the bus lane is on the right, cyclists and class II mopeds may also use it. You may not stop or park in it.
  • Bus stops: at a marked stop for trams, buses or school transport, other vehicles may only stop to let passengers on or off, without blocking the service. If the stop has no markings, the ban applies from 20 metres before to 5 metres after the bus stop sign E22.

Typical theory test traps

  • Overtaking a tram on the left. The main rule is the right side. Left is the exception.
  • The bus pull-out rule on a 70 road. The duty to let a bus leave the stop applies only where the limit is 50 km/h or lower.
  • 10 or 30 metres? The parking ban near a level crossing is 30 metres. The 10-metre rules are for junctions and pedestrian crossings.
  • Lights start flashing while you are on the tracks. The correct action is to drive on and clear the crossing, not to stop or reverse.

FAQ

What does the white flashing light at a railway crossing mean?

Some crossings have a flashing white light under the red lights. It only makes the crossing easier to notice and never means you may cross. Keep watching and listening for trains.

Can I overtake at a railway crossing in Sweden?

Only if the crossing has barriers or is controlled by traffic signals of the type used at junctions. At other crossings, overtaking just before or on the crossing is not allowed, except for two-wheeled vehicles without a sidecar.

Do I always have to stop for passengers at a tram stop?

You must stop if you are going to pass on the right of a tram or bus that has stopped at a stop without a refuge island. With a refuge island you do not have to stop, but keep your speed low.

Level crossing signs and tram rules are easy to mix up, so practise them with real exam-style questions. Körkort Hero has questions with explanations on these topics, available in 16 languages.

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