The Basic Right-of-Way Rule
At any junction without signs or traffic lights, you must give way to traffic approaching from your right. This is the default rule in Sweden and applies on equal roads.
Main Road Priority (Huvudled)
When the yellow diamond sign is present, you are on a priority road. Traffic on side roads must give way to you, regardless of direction. When the diamond ends (diagonal bar), you lose priority and must look for new signs.
Give Way vs Stop
- Give Way (inverted triangle) — slow down and be prepared to stop; only stop if traffic is actually coming
- Stop sign (octagon) — you must make a complete stop before the line, even if the road is completely clear. Not stopping fully is a traffic offence.
Traffic Lights
- Red — stop before the stop line
- Red + amber together — prepare to move; do not go yet
- Green — go, but give way to pedestrians and cyclists already crossing
- Amber alone — stop if you can do so safely; do not accelerate through
- Flashing amber — proceed with care; treat as a give-way situation
Pedestrians and Cyclists
At an unmarked pedestrian crossing, give way to pedestrians who have stepped onto or are about to step onto the crossing. At a cycle crossing immediately before a pedestrian crossing, give way to cyclists using it.
Emergency Vehicles
When a police car, ambulance or fire engine approaches with blue lights and/or siren, pull over to the right as far as possible and stop. Do not block the junction or pedestrian crossing.
Key Takeaways
- No signs → give way to the right
- Yellow diamond → you have priority
- Stop sign → full stop, no exceptions
- Green light does not override pedestrians already crossing