Main Road
The sign indicates that you are driving on a main road and have priority at intersections.
When You See This Sign
When you see the priority road sign you should understand that you have right of way at upcoming intersections against traffic from smaller roads and may continue without yielding to them. Still remain attentive to pedestrians at crosswalks, traffic signals, and any signs that the priority may soon end.
Rules & Regulations
- Meaning of the sign: You are driving on a priority road and have right of way at intersections against traffic from roads that are not priority roads.
- The right of way applies until it is cancelled by an "End of priority road" sign or another priority sign, a traffic signal, or a police officer directing traffic.
- Despite the priority road's right of way, you must always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and make way for emergency vehicles using sirens and blue lights.
- The priority road rule applies regardless of whether the intersection is marked with road markings or not — the sign determines priority at intersections along the road where it is placed.
Tips for Drivers
- Scan side roads and driveways early — many drivers fail to slow down when turning out from a smaller road.
- Be aware that the priority can end when you least expect it — watch for "End of priority road" or other priority signs before relying completely on your right of way.
- When turning left from the priority road, be extra careful of oncoming traffic and cyclists who may be using the same carriageway.
- Remember that traffic lights and a police officer's instructions take precedence over signage even if you are on the priority road.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking the priority road gives absolute right and disregarding pedestrians at crosswalks or emergency vehicles.
- Missing that the right of way has ended because they do not see an "End of priority road" sign or other change in priority.
- Assuming the priority road rule applies in all situations, even when traffic signals or police direct otherwise.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Main Road
What does this road sign mean for your right-of-way order at intersections?
- A You are driving on a main road and have priority over crossing traffic.
- B The main road ends — you must give way.
- C Yield to oncoming traffic — let oncoming vehicles pass.
- D You must stop before the intersection regardless of traffic.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked when the priority road's right of way ends — learn to answer that it applies until there is an "End of priority road" sign, another priority sign, a traffic signal, or a police officer indicating otherwise. Also be prepared for questions about exceptions such as pedestrians' right of way at crosswalks and emergency vehicles.
Did You Know?
The priority road sign (yellow diamond) is a standardized priority sign according to international conventions and is used in Sweden to visually mark a road that has priority along a stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the priority road also apply to cyclists and moped riders?
Yes, the priority road's right of way applies to all vehicles using the carriageway, including cyclists and moped riders riding on the road. Pedestrians, however, always have priority at marked crosswalks.
When does the priority road's right of way end?
The right of way ends when you pass an "End of priority road" sign or when another priority sign, a traffic light, or a police officer indicates that the priority has changed. It can also end during temporary changes such as roadworks.
Can traffic lights or a stop sign take precedence over the priority road sign?
Yes. Traffic signals and a stop sign must be followed even if you are on a priority road. If the signal indicates stop or a stop sign is in place, these rules take precedence over the priority road's right of way.
Should I always assume I have the right of way on the priority road?
No. The priority road gives priority at intersections against side traffic, but you still must adjust your speed, be attentive to pedestrians, cyclists and any evasive maneuvers by other road users, and obey traffic signals and a police officer's instructions.
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