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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Navigate with Confidence: Your Guide to Directional Road Signs

Directional Signs (E)

Directional signs provide crucial information about specific locations, roads, or sections of road, often indicating special rules that apply. Understanding these signs is essential for safe navigation and crucial for passing your driving theory exam. This section will equip you with the knowledge to interpret these signs correctly and respond appropriately in various traffic situations.

directional signsinformation signsmotorway signsexpressway signsbuilt-up area signsspeed limitszone signsroad rulestheory testdriving practice

How Directional Signs (E) road signs are used in Sweden

An explanation of how Directional Signs (E) road signs apply in real traffic situations in Sweden. Learn where these signs are typically placed, what drivers are expected to do when they appear, and how correct reactions help you stay safe, avoid fines, and succeed in your Swedish driving theory exam.

Directional signs are ubiquitous in the driving environment, appearing on highways, rural roads, and within urban areas to guide drivers and inform them of specific regulations. For instance, signs like 'Motorway' (E1) or 'End of Motorway' (E2) clearly delineate high-speed routes. 'Built-up Area' (E5) and 'End of Built-up Area' (E6) signs are vital for adjusting speed and awareness as you enter or leave populated zones. You'll encounter signs for 'Pedestrian Street' (E7) and 'Walking Speed Area' (E9) in city centres, signalling restrictions on vehicular access or very low speed requirements. Additionally, signs like 'One-way Traffic' (E16) are common in towns to manage traffic flow, while 'Toll Road' (E25) and 'Tunnel' (E26) signs prepare you for specific road conditions or payment requirements. Understanding these signs is key to anticipating changes in road rules and adapting your driving accordingly, ensuring both safety and compliance.

What you will learn about Directional Signs (E) road signs

An overview of the key learning outcomes when studying the Directional Signs (E) road sign category. Understand the main concepts, sign meanings, and traffic situations covered here so you can recognise patterns, answer theory questions more confidently, and build a solid foundation for safe driving in Sweden.

Identify and understand the meaning of various directional signs, including those for motorways, expressways, and built-up areas.Recognise signs that indicate special zones like pedestrian streets or walking speed areas and understand the associated rules.Interpret signs related to speed limits, including recommended lower and maximum speeds and their end signs.Understand the purpose and application of signs indicating one-way traffic, passing places, and emergency routes.Learn how directional signs affect your driving behaviour and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

Directional Signs (E) road signs

Browse every road sign in the Directional Signs (E) category. Each sign includes a clear meaning, purpose, and examples of how it is used in Sweden, helping you build strong recognition skills and a detailed understanding of this group of Swedish traffic signs.

E1 - Motorway road sign

Motorway

Prepare for Motorway Driving: The E1 Motorway Entrance Sign

Directional Signs (E)E1
E3 - Expressway (Motor Traffic Road) road sign

Expressway (Motor Traffic Road)

You are now entering an Expressway (Motor Traffic Road) with special rules.

Directional Signs (E)E3
E4 - End of Expressway (Motor Traffic Road) road sign

End of Expressway (Motor Traffic Road)

The E4 sign signals the end of expressway rules, so be ready for a change in road conditions.

Directional Signs (E)E4
E6 - End of Built-up Area road sign

End of Built-up Area

The E6 sign means you are leaving a built-up area, so urban conditions no longer apply.

Directional Signs (E)E6
E7 - Pedestrian Street road sign

Pedestrian Street

The E7 Pedestrian Street sign means you must yield to pedestrians and restrict your driving.

Directional Signs (E)E7
E9 - Walking Speed Area road sign

Walking Speed Area

The E9 Walking Speed Area sign means you must drive at walking pace.

Directional Signs (E)E9
E11 - Recommended Lower Speed road sign

Recommended Lower Speed

The E11 sign recommends a lower speed for your safety and comfort.

Directional Signs (E)E11
E12 - End of Recommended Lower Speed road sign

End of Recommended Lower Speed

The E12 Sign: Your Signal That Recommended Lower Speeds No Longer Apply

Directional Signs (E)E12
E14 - End of Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign

End of Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign)

The E14 sign marks the end of a recommended maximum speed advisory.

Directional Signs (E)E14
E15 - Weaving Section road sign

Weaving Section

Prepare for the Weaving Section sign where lanes merge ahead.

Directional Signs (E)E15
E16 - One-way Traffic road sign

One-way Traffic

E16 One-way Traffic: Follow the Arrow's Direction

Directional Signs (E)E16
E18 - Passing Place road sign

Passing Place

The E18 Passing Place sign means you've found a designated spot to let other vehicles pass.

Directional Signs (E)E18
E20 - Zone Sign road sign

Zone Sign

E20 Zone Sign: Understand the Start of an Area with New Traffic Rules

Directional Signs (E)E20
E25 - Toll Road road sign

Toll Road

Prepare to pay: This sign indicates a toll road or charging area.

Directional Signs (E)E25
E26 - Tunnel road sign

Tunnel

Prepare for Tunnels with the E26 'Tunnel' Road Sign

Directional Signs (E)E26
E27 - Emergency Stopping Place road sign

Emergency Stopping Place

Understand the E27 Emergency Stopping Place sign for safe breakdowns.

Directional Signs (E)E27
E28 - Emergency Exit road sign

Emergency Exit

The E28 Emergency Exit sign guides pedestrians to safety in enclosed spaces.

Directional Signs (E)E28
E29 - Escape Route road sign

Escape Route

The E29 Escape Route sign guides you to safety during emergencies.

Directional Signs (E)E29
E2 - End of Motorway road sign

End of Motorway

Prepare for the Motorway to End with the E2 Traffic Sign

Directional Signs (E)E2
E5 - Built-up Area road sign

Built-up Area

The E5 Built-up Area sign indicates you're entering an urban zone.

Directional Signs (E)E5
E8 - End of Pedestrian Street road sign

End of Pedestrian Street

Understand the E8 'End of Pedestrian Street' Sign

Directional Signs (E)E8
E10 - End of Walking Speed Area road sign

End of Walking Speed Area

E10 Road Sign: You Are Leaving the Walking Speed Area

Directional Signs (E)E10
E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign

Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign)

Understand the Variable Recommended Maximum Speed Sign (E13)

Directional Signs (E)E13
E17 - Dead End Road road sign

Dead End Road

The E17 Dead End Road sign means your route ahead is blocked.

Directional Signs (E)E17
E19 - Parking road sign

Parking

The E19 Parking Sign: Your Guide to Legal Parking Spots

Directional Signs (E)E19
E21 - End of Zone road sign

End of Zone

E21 End of Zone: Your Signal to Return to Normal Traffic Rules

Directional Signs (E)E21
E22 - Bus Stop road sign

Bus Stop

The E22 Bus Stop sign: What it means for your driving and the theory test.

Directional Signs (E)E22
E23 - Taxi Stand (End Limit) road sign

Taxi Stand (End Limit)

The E23 sign marks the end of a designated taxi stand.

Directional Signs (E)E23
E24 - Automatic Traffic Enforcement road sign

Automatic Traffic Enforcement

Be aware: Automatic traffic enforcement is active in this area.

Directional Signs (E)E24

Directional Signs (E) road sign category frequently asked questions

Clear answers to common questions about the Directional Signs (E) road sign category. Use this FAQ to review tricky rules, understand how these signs appear in exam scenarios, and remove confusion that often leads to mistakes in the Swedish driving theory exam in Sweden.

What is the main difference between a 'Motorway' sign and an 'Expressway' sign?

A 'Motorway' sign (E1) indicates a high-speed, limited-access road designed for fast-moving traffic. An 'Expressway' sign (E3) also signifies a major road for motor traffic, but it may have some at-grade intersections or slightly different access rules compared to a full motorway. Both require appropriate speeds and attention.

When do I need to pay attention to 'Recommended Lower Speed' and 'Recommended Maximum Speed' signs?

A 'Recommended Lower Speed' sign (E11) suggests a minimum speed you should aim for in certain conditions, like on long, steep descents or in specific roadworks to maintain traffic flow. A 'Recommended Maximum Speed' sign (E13) is often a variable sign indicating a suggested upper speed limit, usually due to temporary conditions like bad weather or roadworks. You should always consider these recommendations for safety, even if they aren't mandatory prohibitions.

What does a 'Weaving Section' sign mean for my driving?

A 'Weaving Section' sign (E15) warns you that vehicles will be merging and exiting frequently within a short stretch of road, such as at an on-ramp and off-ramp close together on a motorway. This requires heightened awareness of other vehicles' movements and a willingness to adjust speed and position to allow safe merging and avoid conflicts.

How do 'Zone Signs' (E20) and 'End of Zone' (E21) signs work?

A 'Zone Sign' (E20) indicates the beginning of a specific area where particular traffic rules apply, such as a low-speed zone, a residential zone, or an environmental zone. The 'End of Zone' sign (E21) signifies that these special rules no longer apply. You need to be aware of the specific rules associated with the zone when entering and know when they cease to be in effect.

Are 'Pedestrian Street' (E7) signs also applicable to cyclists?

Generally, a 'Pedestrian Street' sign (E7) indicates that the street is primarily for pedestrians, and vehicular traffic is either prohibited or heavily restricted. While cyclists may sometimes be permitted to ride at walking speed in designated areas, it's crucial to check for any additional signs or markings. In most cases, you should assume that motor vehicles are not allowed unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Dive into Swedish road sign knowledge

E26 Tunnel Swedish road signE1 Motorway Swedish road signE19 Parking Swedish road signSwedish Moped Theory AM courseE22 Bus Stop Swedish road signSwedish Driving Theory B courseE20 Zone Sign Swedish road signE25 Toll Road Swedish road signE21 End of Zone Swedish road signSwedish Motorcycle Theory A courseE29 Escape Route Swedish road signE17 Dead End Road Swedish road signE18 Passing Place Swedish road signE2 End of Motorway Swedish road signE28 Emergency Exit Swedish road signE15 Weaving Section Swedish road signE16 One-way Traffic Swedish road signSymbols (S) Swedish road sign categoryRoad Markings (M) Swedish road sign categoryWarning Signs (A) Swedish road sign categoryE23 Taxi Stand (End Limit) Swedish road signE11 Recommended Lower Speed Swedish road signMandatory Signs (D) Swedish road sign categoryTraffic Signals (L) Swedish road sign categoryE27 Emergency Stopping Place Swedish road signE10 End of Walking Speed Area Swedish road signDirectional Signs (E) Swedish road sign categoryInformation Signs (J) Swedish road sign categoryProhibitory Signs (C) Swedish road sign categoryLocalisation Signs (F) Swedish road sign categoryOther Road Devices (X) Swedish road sign categorySupplementary Plates (T) Swedish road sign categoryE24 Automatic Traffic Enforcement Swedish road signE12 End of Recommended Lower Speed Swedish road signE3 Expressway (Motor Traffic Road) Swedish road signYield and Priority Signs (B) Swedish road sign categorySignals by Police Officer (P) Swedish road sign categoryE4 End of Expressway (Motor Traffic Road) Swedish road signE13 Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) Swedish road signE14 End of Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) Swedish road sign