Green
The signal indicates go
When You See This Sign
When you see a green signal you may drive in the direction the light indicates, but only drive if it is safe and you can leave the intersection without becoming stationary. Pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists and any emergency vehicles that may have the right of way.
Rules & Regulations
- A green signal means you may drive in the direction the light applies to, but only if it is safe to do so.
- You must not enter an intersection if you cannot leave it without stopping (do not block the road ahead), even if the light is green.
- A traffic officer's signals and traffic signs take precedence over the traffic light if they contradict each other.
- You must still yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and to emergency vehicles using sirens and blue lights even when you have green.
Tips for Drivers
- Look around before you accelerate: check for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles that may turn in front of you.
- Be prepared for the light to change to yellow quickly; do not accelerate unnecessarily hard and keep your foot near the brake.
- When turning on green, watch for crossing traffic and cycle lanes — do not turn until you are sure you will not cut off other road users.
- If visibility is poor or traffic is heavy, enter the intersection only when you are certain you can drive out again.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming green always gives absolute priority — many forget pedestrians at crosswalks or emergency vehicles.
- Entering the intersection despite queues ahead and thus blocking the intersection when the opposing light turns green.
- Confusing a regular green signal with a green arrow (a green arrow may allow certain turns even if other directions have red).
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Green
Which rule applies at this signal?
- A You may proceed.
- B You must stop.
- C Give way to crossing traffic.
- D Only pedestrians may pass.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may get a question about not stopping in the intersection even if you have green - the correct answer is that you must wait until you can drive through without blocking the intersection or obstructing other road users.
Did You Know?
Green in traffic lights is an internationally standardized signal (according to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic) and basically means 'go' in most countries including Sweden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a green signal always give priority?
No. A green signal gives you the right to drive but you must still yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and to emergency vehicles. You must also not enter an intersection if you risk blocking it.
What do I do if a traffic officer stops me even though I have green?
You must always follow a traffic officer's signals over traffic lights. Stop and follow the officer's instructions even if the signal is green.
What is the difference between a green circle and a green arrow in the traffic light?
A green circle means you may drive in the current direction when it is clear, while a green arrow often indicates that a specific turn is allowed even if other directions have red. Interpret the arrow only for the direction shown.
Practice more in the app
Study Swedish road signs and driving theory in English. 314 signs with rules, tips and quizzes.