Is jaywalking illegal in Sweden?
What NTF and Transportstyrelsen say about crossing on red and away from crossings.
Short answer
Crossing a street against a red light is forbidden in Sweden but is not punishable in itself, according to NTF. A pedestrian who causes a collision by crossing on red can be convicted of careless behaviour in traffic (vårdslöshet i trafik). Away from a crossing, you may cross only if it causes no danger or inconvenience to traffic.
Why
- NTF says it is forbidden, but not punishable, to cross a street or road against a red light.
- According to NTF, pedestrians must follow traffic signals under chapter 2, sections 2 and 3 of the traffic ordinance (trafikförordningen).
- Transportstyrelsen says to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing, and elsewhere to look carefully before crossing, preferably at a road junction.
Details
NTF says a pedestrian who crosses on red and causes a collision can be convicted of careless behaviour in traffic, and one who leaves the scene of an accident can be convicted of failing to stay. Transportstyrelsen adds that at a pedestrian crossing you must still take approaching vehicles into account before you step out. For other traffic rules, see driving and road rules in Sweden.
Tip
Wait for the green signal even on a quiet street. NTF says that if the signal turns red while you are already crossing, you should continue to the other side, or stop at the refuge if there is one.
What may differ
The pedestrian rules also apply to someone who leads a bicycle, moped or pram, according to chapter 1, section 4 of the traffic ordinance on riksdagen.se.
Common misconception
Jaywalking is completely legal in Sweden, so you can cross wherever and whenever you like.
What actually happens
NTF says crossing against a red light is forbidden, and that away from a crossing you may cross only if it causes no danger or inconvenience to traffic. Transportstyrelsen advises using a pedestrian crossing.
People also ask
- Is it illegal to cross on a red light in Sweden?
- Can you get fined for jaywalking in Sweden?
Sources
- NTF: Crossing against a red lightChecked at:
- NTF: Rules for pedestriansChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: PedestriansChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Pedestrian crossingsChecked at:
- Traffic ordinance (1998:1276), riksdagen.seChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Transportstyrelsen before you travel.
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