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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

The Amber Signal: Know When to Stop and When to Safely Proceed

SIG4 - Amber Signal Swedish road sign meaning

The amber signal, often called a yellow light, is a critical traffic signal that instructs you to stop before the stop line or the signal itself. However, there's an important exception: if you're too close to stop safely when the light turns amber, you may proceed with caution to avoid a dangerous situation like a sudden braking. This sign is crucial for maintaining traffic flow and preventing accidents at intersections.

About the SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign

Learn the key details of the SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign, including its function, what it communicates to drivers, and how it applies in real traffic situations in Sweden. Use this overview to understand the sign clearly and recognise it confidently during the Swedish driving theory exam.

Definition of SIG4

An amber (yellow) signal instructs you to stop before the stop line. If no stop line exists, you must stop before the signal. The key exception is when you have already approached so close at the moment the light changes from green to amber that stopping would create danger, for example by causing a harsh stop that risks a rear-end collision. In that case, you may continue carefully and clear the intersection without accelerating aggressively.

Meaning of SIG4

Stop. You must not pass the stop line or the signal, unless stopping would be dangerous because you are too close when it changes from green to amber.

Allowed actions for SIG4

Stopping smoothly before the stop lineContinuing only if stopping would be unsafe due to proximityClearing the junction cautiously if you must proceed

Prohibited actions for SIG4

Speeding up to ‘beat the light’Passing the stop line when you could stop safelyEntering the intersection late on amber without necessity

SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Swedish driving theory exam in Sweden.

What is the main rule for the SIG4 Amber Signal?

The primary rule for the SIG4 Amber Signal is to stop before the stop line or the signal. This is indicated by a yellow or amber light, which signifies that the signal is about to turn red.

When is it acceptable to pass the SIG4 Amber Signal?

You may only pass the amber signal if you have already entered the intersection or are so close to the stop line when the light turns amber that stopping abruptly would be dangerous. This usually means avoiding a harsh braking manoeuvre that could cause a rear-end collision.

What does 'too close to stop safely' mean regarding the amber signal?

It means that if you were to brake suddenly to stop at the stop line, you would either risk being hit from behind by a following vehicle or create a hazardous situation for yourself and others. Always prioritize a smooth and safe stop if possible.

What are common mistakes learners make with the amber signal?

A common mistake is trying to speed up to 'beat the light' or pass through the intersection after it has already turned red. Another error is stopping abruptly and dangerously when proceeding would have been safer. Always remember the amber light means 'stop if safe', not 'speed up'.

Should I accelerate when I see the amber light?

No, you should never accelerate when you see an amber light. The amber light is a warning that the signal is about to change to red. You must prepare to stop. Only in the very specific situation where stopping would be unsafe due to your proximity can you proceed, and even then, it should be done cautiously, not by speeding up.

SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign image

A clear reference image of the SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign used in Sweden.

SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign

Other names for the SIG4 - Amber Signal

The SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Yellow lightAmber lightStop if safePrepare to stopCaution signal

Traffic Signals (L) road sign category

The SIG4 - Amber Signal road sign is part of the Traffic Signals (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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