Swedish Yellow Lights: Stop or Go?

Sweden's traffic laws, like those in many countries, are designed to ensure safety and order on the roads. A crucial aspect of this is understanding traffic light signals, particularly the yellow light. The yellow light serves as a critical warning, signaling the imminent change to a red light, and drivers must react appropriately to avoid accidents and legal penalties. The posting below is about my ticket today in Stockholm city.

Understanding the Yellow Signal in Sweden

In Sweden, the yellow traffic light primarily functions as a "warning" or "caution" signal.

• It signifies that the light is about to turn red (iKörkort.nu).
• Drivers are expected to safely stop before the intersection if they can do so without sudden braking (iKörkort.nu).
• If a driver is so close to the intersection that stopping safely is impossible without creating a dangerous traffic situation (e.g., hard braking), they may proceed with caution (iKörkort.nu).

The Legality of Passing on Yellow

Generally, it is not advisable to pass through an intersection when the light is yellow.

• The law requires drivers to adhere to the signal, especially just before it turns red (iKörkort.nu).
• Passing through a yellow light, particularly if it changes to red while you are in the intersection, can be considered a violation (iKörkort.nu).
• This is especially true if there was ample time to stop safely before entering the intersection (iKörkort.nu). Drivers should not accelerate to try and "beat" the red light (iKörkort.nu).

Potential Consequences of Violations: Fines and Penalties

Disregarding a yellow or red light can lead to significant repercussions, including substantial fines and other penalties.

• Red Light Violation: Running a red light in a motorized vehicle typically carries a fine of 3,000 SEK (approximately 260 EUR / 220 GBP) (Körkortonline, Vintrica).
• Yellow Light Violation: While fines for directly "running a yellow light" are less commonly specified as a separate category, violations can occur. A fine of 2,000 SEK for a yellow signal violation indicates that police can issue tickets for failing to comply with the warning aspect of the yellow light, even if it doesn't immediately become a full red-light violation. This suggests an interpretation of the law where improper proceeding on a yellow light, even if not transitioning directly to red within the intersection, can still incur a penalty.
• Driving License Suspension: For serious traffic violations, such as running a red light, your driving license may be suspended for a period, potentially up to six months (The Local, Trafiko).
• Automated Enforcement: Traffic safety cameras are used to record speeding and red light violations, with images processed by the police (Polisen).
• Legal Responsibility: Any traffic violation can lead to legal liability, and repeated offenses or violations causing danger can result in more severe penalties (Inelo).

Routine Alcohol and Drug Testing During Traffic Stops

In Sweden, it is common practice for police officers to conduct alcohol breath tests (and sometimes drug tests) during any traffic stop, regardless of the initial reason for the stop or the time of day.

• Legal Authority: Swedish law allows police to conduct routine breath tests without requiring specific suspicion of impaired driving (ETSC, Polisen).
• Road Safety Priority:Preventing impaired driving (alcohol or drugs) is a major focus for Swedish authorities due to its significant impact on traffic fatalities (ETSC).
• Standard Procedure: It is often a standard operational procedure for police officers to include an alcohol test during any police-initiated contact with a driver (ETSC).
• Zero Tolerance: Sweden maintains a very low legal alcohol limit (0.2 per mille BAC) and a zero-tolerance policy for most illegal drugs in a driver's system (Körkortonline, Polisen). This strict approach underpins the routine testing.

Appealing a Traffic Ticket

If you believe a traffic ticket, including one for a yellow signal violation, was issued incorrectly, you have the right to appeal it.

• Review the Ticket: Carefully examine the ticket for details like the violation code, date, time, and location.
• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as dashcam footage, witness statements, or photos of the intersection.
• Contact the Issuing Authority: The ticket should provide information on how to appeal. For police-issued fines, this is typically handled by the Swedish Police Authority (Polisen). For parking-related "control fees" issued by private companies, you would contact the company directly (LKPAB, Riverty).
• Submit Your Appeal: Follow the instructions provided, ensuring you submit your appeal within the specified timeframe. Be clear, factual, and include all supporting documentation (Polisen).
• Payment During Appeal: It's often recommended to pay the fine within the specified period even if you appeal, to avoid late payment fees. If your appeal is successful, the fine will be refunded (LKPAB, Polisen).

Safe and Lawful Driving Practices

The safest and most legally sound practice is to stop before the intersection when the traffic light turns yellow, provided it is safe to do so.

• Prioritize safety: Sudden braking can be dangerous for you and other road users.
• Anticipate changes: Be aware of traffic light sequences and anticipate changes in advance.
• Obey the law: Always adhere to the traffic signals to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Conclusion

Understanding and adhering to Sweden's traffic laws, particularly regarding yellow and red lights, is essential for every driver. While the yellow light serves as a warning, it primarily indicates the need to stop safely before the light turns red. Disregarding these signals can lead to substantial fines, which can vary depending on the specifics of the violation, and even license suspension. Furthermore, be aware that routine alcohol and drug tests are a standard part of police traffic stops in Sweden, reflecting the country's strong commitment to preventing impaired driving. If you receive a ticket you believe is unjust, familiarizing yourself with the appeals process is crucial. Prioritizing safety and legal compliance will ensure a smoother and more secure driving experience for everyone on Swedish roads.

FAQ

Q: Can I always go through a yellow light in Sweden if I'm already in the intersection?

A: No, the general rule is to stop if it's safe to do so. You should only proceed if stopping would cause a dangerous situation, like a rear-end collision (iKörkort.nu).

Q: What happens if I go through a yellow light and it turns red while I'm in the intersection?

A: This is generally considered running a red light. For a motorized vehicle, this can result in a fine of 3,000 SEK and potential driving license suspension (Körkortonline, The Local).

Q: Why might I receive a 2,000 SEK fine for a yellow light violation instead of 3,000 SEK?

A: A 2,000 SEK fine suggests that the specific circumstances of your yellow light violation were not deemed a full "red light violation" but still an infraction of the duty to stop safely at a yellow signal. The exact fine can depend on the officer's discretion or the specific interpretation of the violation.

Q: Why did the police ask for a breath test for a traffic signal violation during the daytime?

A: In Sweden, police have the legal authority to conduct routine alcohol and drug tests during any traffic stop, regardless of the initial reason for the stop or the time of day. This is part of their proactive strategy to ensure road safety and deter impaired driving, as Sweden has a very strict stance on these offenses.

Q: Where can I find more detailed information on Swedish traffic laws and fines?

A: You can find comprehensive information on Swedish traffic laws and fine amounts on the official websites of the Swedish Transport Agency (Trafikverket), the Swedish Police Authority (Polisen), and resources like Körkortonline.