Right-Hand Rule (Högerregeln) in Sweden – Learn It Easily for the Driving Theory Test

Published by KorkortTest4u.se • Updated Oct 2025

The right-hand rule, or Högerregeln in Swedish, is one of the most important rules you’ll learn before taking the Swedish driving theory test. It looks simple, but many learners lose points on questions about it because they forget when it applies and when it doesn’t. In this tutorial we’ll go step-by-step through how the rule works, show examples, and explain how it appears on the test — exactly like you’ll experience on the road in Sweden.

1. What the Rule Says

The official traffic regulation (Trafikförordningen) states:

“At intersections without signs, traffic lights, or other control, every driver must yield to vehicles coming from the right.”

That’s all it means — but it’s important to apply it correctly. Whenever two vehicles approach a crossing and there are no signs or signals, the driver who has a vehicle coming from the right must wait and let that vehicle go first.

2. Step-by-Step: How to Decide If Högerregeln Applies

When approaching any intersection, use this checklist:

1. Are there any signs? If you see a Yield (Väjningsplikt), Stop, or Main Road (Huvudled) sign, follow that sign — not the right-hand rule.
2. Are there traffic lights? Lights override the rule. Follow the signals instead.
3. Are you in a roundabout? Vehicles already inside the roundabout have priority. Högerregeln does not apply there.
4. If none of the above exist → apply the right-hand rule.

Think of Högerregeln as the default rule that fills in whenever nothing else is telling you what to do.

3. Example 1 – Unmarked Residential Crossing

You are driving the red car. There are no signs or traffic lights at the intersection. A blue car is approaching from your right. According to Högerregeln, you must yield (Give way) to the blue car. Once the blue car has passed, you may continue. This is the most typical example in both the theory book and real life.

4. Example 2 – Yield Sign Overrides the Rule

You approach the same type of crossing, but now a yield sign is placed on your road. Even if the other vehicle comes from your left, the yield sign means you must let them go first. The specific sign always overrides the general rule.

5. Example 3 – T-Junction

At a T-junction without signs, the car approaching from your right still has priority. Högerregeln applies exactly the same way as at a four-way intersection.

6. When the Right-Hand Rule Does Not Apply

Many theory questions are designed to trick you by adding a small detail — a sign or road marking that cancels the rule. Always check for these exceptions first:

• Yield or Stop signs: You always yield or stop regardless of direction.
• Main Road (Huvudled): Drivers on a marked main road have priority.
• Roundabouts: Priority belongs to vehicles already inside.
• Traffic lights: Obey the lights — not Högerregeln.
• Pedestrian or bicycle crossings: You must yield to pedestrians and cyclists even if they approach from your left.
• Exiting driveways or parking lots: Vehicles entering a public road must always yield.

7. How It Appears in the Theory Test

In the theory exam, you’ll often see diagrams or photos showing one or two cars at an intersection. The question may be worded like this:

“You (the red car) and the blue car approach the intersection at the same time. There are no signs or signals. Who should go first?”

Correct answer: The blue car goes first because it’s coming from your right.

Sometimes the exam adds small clues like a yield sign or a main-road marking. Always read the text below the image — if it says “no signs” or “uncontrolled intersection,” think right-hand rule.

8. Common Mistakes

• Assuming you have priority because your road “looks bigger.” Road width doesn’t matter — only signs or markings do.
• Forgetting to slow down at small residential crossings. You must approach carefully in case another car comes from the right.
• Using Högerregeln inside roundabouts. This is a classic test error — roundabouts follow their own rule: vehicles inside have priority.
• Ignoring cyclists or pedestrians from the right. The rule applies to all road users, not just cars.

9. How to Practice

When driving or walking, look around and identify intersections that have no signs. Ask yourself: “If a car came from the right right now, would I need to yield?” This builds the habit that the examiner wants to see during your practical test.

On your theory preparation, take our Traffic Rules practice quiz and focus on “Priority Rules” questions. They often include Högerregeln situations with only slight variations.

10. In Real Driving

In Swedish cities and towns, the right-hand rule keeps small residential streets moving smoothly without needing signs everywhere. Drivers generally slow down, check both sides, and make eye contact before proceeding. Even if you technically have priority, it’s always safer to drive defensively and be ready to stop.

When conditions are dark or slippery, lower your speed and treat every unmarked intersection as if someone could appear from your right at any moment.

11. Quick Summary

• Högerregeln = yield to vehicles from the right.
• Applies only where there are no signs, signals, or roundabout priority.
• Does not apply at main roads, yield/stop intersections, or traffic lights.
• Be careful in residential areas and parking zones — it’s easy to forget.
• On the theory test: look for “no signs” or “uncontrolled intersection.”

12. Related Topics

• Roundabout Rules
• Eco-Driving for the Theory Test

Understanding Högerregeln is a big step toward passing your Swedish theory test. Once this rule becomes automatic, many intersection questions will feel easy and logical. Keep practicing — safe driving starts with clear priorities.