Do you have to stop for pedestrians at a crossing in Sweden?
The duty to give way at pedestrian crossings and the fines for failing to.
Short answer
Yes, at an unguarded pedestrian crossing in Sweden a driver must give way to pedestrians who are on the crossing or about to step onto it. A driver who has to give way must show this clearly by slowing down in good time or stopping. Failing to give way can bring an on-the-spot fine of SEK 2,000 to 3,000.
Why
- The Traffic Ordinance (3 kap. 61 §) says a driver at an unguarded crossing must give way to pedestrians who have gone out onto the crossing or are about to.
- According to Transportstyrelsen, the driver must let the person walking through, but pedestrians may not step out without considering approaching vehicles.
- The Prosecution Authority's catalogue lists SEK 3,000 for not giving way to a pedestrian already on an unguarded crossing and SEK 2,000 for one about to step out.
Details
Transportstyrelsen says someone leading a bicycle counts as a pedestrian, but a driver has no duty to give way to someone cycling on an unguarded crossing. The Traffic Ordinance (3 kap. 62 §) also says a driver approaching a crossing must adapt driving so as not to be forced to stop on it. For cyclists, see can you cycle across a pedestrian crossing in Sweden, and for pedestrians crossing on red, is jaywalking illegal in Sweden.
Tip
Slow down well before a crossing: Transportstyrelsen lists crossings and other places where pedestrians cross as places where you must keep a low speed.
What may differ
At a guarded crossing, the catalogue lists SEK 2,000 for not giving pedestrians the chance to pass. A person cycling on an unguarded crossing does not have the same right of way as a pedestrian, according to Transportstyrelsen.
Common misconception
Pedestrians can walk out without looking, because cars must stop.
What actually happens
Transportstyrelsen says pedestrians may not step out onto the crossing without considering approaching vehicles.
People also ask
- Do drivers have to stop at a pedestrian crossing in Sweden?
- Who has priority at a zebra crossing in Sweden?
Sources
- Traffic Ordinance (1998:1276), riksdagen.seChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Pedestrian crossingsChecked at:
- Prosecution Authority: Catalogue of on-the-spot fines, Annex 1AChecked at:
- NTF: Duty to give wayChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Speed (general traffic rules)Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Transportstyrelsen before you travel.
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