Logo
Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Master the Date Parking sign (C38) for stress-free parking!

C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) Swedish road sign meaning

The C38 Date Parking sign, also known as alternate-side parking, helps manage parking on narrow streets by alternating restrictions based on the date. On even-numbered dates, you cannot park on the side with even house numbers. On odd-numbered dates, parking is prohibited on the side with odd house numbers. This system ensures that streets remain accessible for essential services like snow removal or emergency vehicle access. Drivers must be vigilant about moving their vehicles before midnight to comply with the new day's rule.

About the C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign

Learn the key details of the C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) 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 C38

This sign establishes a date-based parking scheme linked to the parity of address numbers along the street. On even-numbered calendar days, parking is prohibited on the side of the road with even house numbers, and on odd-numbered days, parking is prohibited on the side with odd house numbers. It is commonly used on narrow streets to ensure access for maintenance, snow clearing, or emergency services. The rule applies within the regulated area from the sign and requires drivers to choose the correct side based on the date. Drivers must regularly move their vehicles to remain compliant as the date changes.

Meaning of C38

On even-numbered dates you may not park on the side with even address numbers; on odd-numbered dates you may not park on the side with odd address numbers.

Allowed actions for C38

Park on the side permitted for the current dateMove your car before the next date period beginsUse off-street parking to avoid daily moves

Prohibited actions for C38

Parking on the prohibited side for the current dateLeaving the vehicle parked as the date changes to a prohibited dayIgnoring address-number parity when parking

C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) 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 does the C38 Date Parking sign mean?

The C38 sign indicates a date-based parking rule. On even dates, you cannot park on the side of the street with even house numbers. On odd dates, you cannot park on the side with odd house numbers. It's crucial to check the date and the house numbers to park correctly.

How do I know which side of the street to park on when I see the C38 sign?

You need to look at two things: the current date and the house numbers on each side of the street. If it's an even date (e.g., the 14th), you must park on the side with odd house numbers. If it's an odd date (e.g., the 15th), you must park on the side with even house numbers.

What are the common mistakes or exam traps related to the C38 Date Parking sign?

A common trap is forgetting to move your car as the date changes at midnight. You might be parked legally on an odd date, but illegally if you remain there after midnight when it becomes an even date. Another mistake is not correctly identifying the even or odd sides based on house numbers.

When does the parking restriction for the C38 sign change?

The restriction changes at midnight when the date switches. For example, if you are parked on the odd-numbered side on the 15th (an odd date), and you do not move your vehicle before midnight, it will become an illegal parking spot on the 16th (an even date). Always plan ahead to move your vehicle before the change.

What if I need to park on the prohibited side for a short time?

The C38 sign prohibits parking on the specified side for the entire duration of the date. Brief stops for loading or unloading may be permissible under general traffic rules, but leaving your vehicle unattended or parked for an extended period on the prohibited side is not allowed.

C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign image

A clear reference image of the C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign used in Sweden.

C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign

Other names for the C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers)

The C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Alternate-side parkingDate-based parkingOdd/even parkingParity parking rule

Prohibitory Signs (C) road sign category

The C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign is part of the Prohibitory Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Swedish road sign knowledge

Swedish Moped Theory AM courseSwedish Driving Theory B courseC26 No U-Turn Swedish road signSwedish Motorcycle Theory A courseC27 No Overtaking Swedish road signC15 No Pedestrians Swedish road signC14 No Horse Riding Swedish road signSymbols (S) Swedish road sign categoryC11 No Moped Class II Swedish road signC23 Maximum Axle Load Swedish road signC24 Maximum Bogie Load Swedish road signC1 No Entry for Vehicles Swedish road signC28 End of No Overtaking Swedish road signC16 Maximum Vehicle Width Swedish road signRoad Markings (M) Swedish road sign categoryWarning Signs (A) Swedish road sign categoryC17 Maximum Vehicle Height Swedish road signC18 Maximum Vehicle Length Swedish road signC22 Bearing Capacity Class Swedish road signMandatory Signs (D) Swedish road sign categoryTraffic Signals (L) Swedish road sign categoryC12 No Animal-Drawn Vehicles Swedish road signDirectional Signs (E) Swedish road sign categoryInformation Signs (J) Swedish road sign categoryProhibitory Signs (C) Swedish road sign categoryC19 Minimum Following Distance Swedish road signC25 No Turning at Intersection Swedish road signLocalisation Signs (F) Swedish road sign categoryOther Road Devices (X) Swedish road sign categorySupplementary Plates (T) Swedish road sign categoryC10 No Bicycles and Moped Class II Swedish road signC20 Maximum Gross Weight (Vehicle) Swedish road signC29 No Overtaking for Heavy Trucks Swedish road signYield and Priority Signs (B) Swedish road sign categorySignals by Police Officer (P) Swedish road sign categoryC2 No Vehicle Traffic (Both Directions) Swedish road signC30 End of No Overtaking for Heavy Trucks Swedish road signC3 No Motor Vehicles Except Moped Class II Swedish road signC21 Maximum Gross Weight (Vehicle and Combination) Swedish road signC13 No Off-Road Motor Vehicles and Off-Road Trailers Swedish road sign