Junctions are where most theory test questions about priority live. The good news is that the Swedish system is built from a small number of rules in the Traffic Ordinance (Trafikförordningen 1998:1276). Once you know the default rule and what overrides it, most questions become a matter of reading the picture carefully.

The default: the right-hand rule

Under 3 kap. 18 § of Trafikförordningen, when two vehicles' paths cross, the driver must give way to the vehicle coming from the right. This is högerregeln, and it applies whenever no sign, signal or other rule says otherwise.

The exceptions are listed in 3 kap. 21 to 23 §§:

  • Entering a main road, motorway or motor traffic road without an acceleration lane: you give way to traffic on that road.
  • Coming out from a car park, a property, a petrol station, a path, a cycle track, a pedestrian street or similar: you give way to every vehicle whose path you cross, no matter which side it comes from.
  • Entering a roundabout: you give way to every vehicle already in it.

Signs and signals that decide priority

The Road Signs Ordinance (Vägmärkesförordningen 2007:90) defines the priority signs:

  • B1, Väjningsplikt: you must give way to vehicles on the crossing road.
  • B2, Stopplikt: you must stop before entering the crossing road, and then give way.
  • B4, Huvudled: you are on a main road. Traffic joining from side roads with B1 or B2 must give way to you.
  • B5, Huvudled upphör: the main road ends, and normal rules apply again.
  • T13 and T14: supplementary plates under B1 or B2 showing that all approaches have give way (flervägsväjning) or stop (flervägsstopp).

A steady light in a traffic signal overrides a give way or stop sign (2 kap. 2 §). A police officer's instruction must always be obeyed (2 kap. 3 §).

How to give way and stop correctly

Giving way is not just "not crashing". Under 3 kap. 5 §, a driver who must give way has to show it clearly by slowing down in good time or stopping, and may only continue if it causes no danger or obstruction for others.

With stopplikt, you stop at the stop line (marking M13). If there is no stop line, you stop just before entering the crossing road (3 kap. 19 §). A rolling stop is not a stop. The give way line (M14) shows where you should not pass while giving way.

Also remember 3 kap. 20 §: do not drive into a junction if you risk having to stop inside it and block crossing traffic.

Roundabouts (cirkulationsplats)

A roundabout is usually signed with D3, Cirkulationsplats, often together with B1. The rules:

  • You drive anticlockwise around the central island (3 kap. 13 §).
  • When you enter, you give way to every vehicle already in the roundabout (3 kap. 22 §).
  • When you leave, you signal. 3 kap. 65 § requires a signal when you turn, change lanes or move sideways, and the signal must be given in good time.
  • You may not stop or park in a roundabout (3 kap. 53 §).
  • When you exit across an unguarded cycle crossing (cykelpassage), you must drive slowly and let cyclists and moped riders who are on it, or about to ride onto it, cross (3 kap. 61 §). At a cykelöverfart you have a full duty to give way (3 kap. 61 a §).

In two-lane roundabouts, follow the lane arrows (marking M19). If a lane is bounded by a solid lane line, you must follow the direction its arrow shows. Changing lanes inside the roundabout is only allowed if it can be done without danger or unnecessary obstruction (3 kap. 43 §).

Lane choice and positioning at ordinary junctions

Where there are two or more lanes in your direction before a junction, 3 kap. 25 § says:

  • turning right: use the rightmost lane, in good time
  • turning left: use the leftmost lane
  • going straight: use the most suitable lane for traffic and your onward route

When turning right, keep as close to the right edge as is suitable. When turning left, keep close to the middle of the road, or to the left edge on a one-way road (3 kap. 26 §). Before turning across oncoming traffic, make sure you can do it without obstructing them (3 kap. 24 §).

Overtaking and stopping near junctions

  • Overtaking just before or in a junction is not allowed, unless you overtake on the right, the junction is controlled by police or traffic signals, or signs show that drivers on the crossing road must give way or stop (3 kap. 39 §).
  • Stopping and parking is not allowed in a junction or within 10 metres of the nearest edge of a crossing carriageway (3 kap. 53 §).

Typical theory test traps

  • The car from the left in a roundabout. When entering, you give way to every vehicle already in the roundabout, wherever it comes from.
  • Leaving a car park or petrol station. The right-hand rule does not help you here. You give way to everyone.
  • Main road ends. After B5, högerregeln applies again unless other signs say otherwise.
  • Traffic light and B1 on the same pole. The steady light in the signal applies. If the signal is switched off or flashing, the sign applies.
  • Cyclists at the exit. Leaving the roundabout over a cycle crossing still requires low speed and letting cyclists pass.

FAQ

Do I signal when entering a roundabout in Sweden?

The legal requirement is to signal when you turn, change lanes or move sideways (3 kap. 65 §). The key moment in a roundabout is the exit: signal right in good time before you leave.

Who has priority in a Swedish roundabout?

Vehicles already in the roundabout. A driver entering must give way to every vehicle in the circulation (3 kap. 22 §).

What is the difference between B1 and B2?

B1 means give way: slow down and stop only if needed. B2 means stop: you must come to a complete stop at the stop line, or before the crossing road if there is no line, and then give way.

Junction and roundabout pictures are some of the most common questions on the test. You can work through them in Körkort Hero, in 16 languages, and check the explanation each time you pick the wrong car.

<!-- seo-related:2026-05-22 -->

Continue with these closely related topics in the same language: