Are taxis allowed in bus lanes in Sweden?
What the bus lane sign allows, and when an additional sign is needed.
Short answer
A taxi may use a bus lane in Sweden only where an additional sign allows it, since other vehicles need such a sign according to Transportstyrelsen. Cyclists and class II mopeds may use a lane on the right-hand side, according to NTF. Using the lane without permission carries an on-the-spot fine of SEK 1,000.
Why
- Transportstyrelsen says the sign for a lane reserved for scheduled-service vehicles also means that the vehicles listed in 8 kap. 2 § of the Traffic Ordinance may use the lane.
- According to Transportstyrelsen, if other vehicles are allowed in the lane, this is stated on an additional sign.
- The Prosecution Authority's catalogue of on-the-spot fines lists SEK 1,000 for driving in a lane or carriageway for scheduled-service traffic when this was not allowed.
Details
Where other vehicles are permitted, the additional sign next to the lane sign says so, so read the signs each time you enter a lane. Where there is no sign for taxis, stay in the ordinary lanes. For taxi companies in the capital, see taxi services in Stockholm; for general rules, see driving and road rules in Sweden.
Tip
Read any additional sign below the bus lane sign before you enter: it shows whether vehicles other than scheduled-service vehicles are allowed.
What may differ
Vehicles in scheduled service and the other vehicles named in 8 kap. 2 § of the Traffic Ordinance may use the lane without any additional sign, according to Transportstyrelsen.
Common misconception
Taxis may use every bus lane because they carry passengers.
What actually happens
Transportstyrelsen says that other vehicles are allowed in the lane only if an additional sign says so.
People also ask
- Can taxis drive in bus lanes in Sweden?
- Are taxis allowed in the bus lane?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Transportstyrelsen and the local signs before you travel.
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