Trafikregler

Right-of-way rules

• The basic principle: no one has "rights" in traffic, only shared obligations to yield according to the rules.
• The right-hand rule:
  • A vehicle coming from the right has priority; if you're coming from the left, you must yield.
  • This applies not only at intersections, but anywhere vehicles' paths cross.
• The right-hand rule does not apply:
  • On priority roads (huvudled).
  • Where traffic signals are working.
  • In roundabouts.
  • Where a yield or stop sign is posted.
  • When a driver is leaving an acceleration lane.
  • When reversing.
  • When exiting onto a road (see the exit rule below).
• The turning rule:
  • When turning, you must yield to oncoming traffic.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists on the road you're turning into also have priority, even without a crosswalk or cycle crossing.
• The exit rule:
  • Gives you a duty to yield when driving out onto a road from a parking area.
  • Also applies when exiting a property, petrol station, or similar.
  • Also applies when exiting a pedestrian street, a walking-pace zone, a cycle street, a road shoulder, or open terrain.
  • Also applies when you cross a footpath or cycle path on your way out onto the road.
• The blocking rule: never enter an intersection or crosswalk if you risk getting stuck there and blocking others.
• The bus rule:
  • At 50 km/h or below, you must yield to a bus signalling to pull out from a stop in the right-hand lane.
  • Above 50 km/h, it's instead the bus that must yield to you.
• You must always yield to:
  • Emergency vehicles with blue lights and/or siren.
  • Trains and trams.
  • Military convoys.
  • Processions, such as a supervised group of children or a funeral procession.
• A triangle with a red border = yield — slow down so you can stop if needed.
  
• An octagonal STOP sign = always come to a complete stop at the stop line, no matter the traffic situation.
  
• Priority road (blue sign, yellow diamond) = you always have priority over a connecting side road.
  
• At a traffic signal:
  • Red: stop.
  • Red and yellow together: get ready, but wait for green.
  • Yellow: stop, if you can do so safely.
  • Flashing yellow: the signal is out of order — drive with extra care and follow the road signs or the right-hand rule.