Pedestrian crossings (övergångsställen) in Sweden give pedestrians absolute priority. The law changed in 2000 to make driver obligations unambiguous — failure to yield is a serious offence.
The Law
You must yield to pedestrians who are at or about to step onto a pedestrian crossing. This means you must stop if a pedestrian is waiting at the kerb and clearly intending to cross — you do not wait for them to step out first. Anticipate and slow early.
Before and During the Crossing
Do not overtake another vehicle within 5 metres before a pedestrian crossing. Do not park within 10 metres before a crossing. Approach at a speed that allows you to stop safely. If one vehicle has stopped at a crossing, you must also stop — a pedestrian may be walking in front of the stopped vehicle and out of your sight.
Cyclists at Crossings
A cycle crossing (cykelbana) beside a pedestrian crossing does not grant cyclists automatic right of way — drivers must yield to cyclists as well if the crossing is marked as a combined crossing. A standalone cycle crossing requires vehicles to yield to cyclists.
Exam tip: “About to cross” is the legal trigger — not “already crossing.” Waiting to see a foot on the road before yielding is too late and is an offence.