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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

The M9 Hatched Area sign means you must not drive on the marked zone.

M9 - Hatched Area Swedish road sign meaning

The M9 Hatched Area sign, often seen with angled or diagonal stripes, indicates a forbidden zone on the roadway. This painted area is crucial for traffic management, used to separate lanes, protect turning spaces, or create safety buffers. You must treat this hatched area as a physical barrier; driving into it, stopping on it, or overtaking using it is prohibited. Always follow the lane guidance around these marked zones to ensure safe passage and avoid disrupting traffic flow.

About the M9 - Hatched Area road sign

Learn the key details of the M9 - Hatched Area 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 M9

A hatched area indicates a forbidden zone on the roadway, often used to separate traffic streams, protect turning space, or create a safety buffer near obstacles. The stripes can be angled or diagonal depending on the site design, and parts of the area may be white filled. Entering the area can disrupt traffic flow and create collision risk. Drivers should treat it as a physical barrier even though it is painted.

Meaning of M9

A marked area where vehicles must not be driven. It is shown with angled or diagonal stripes.

Allowed actions for M9

Keep to the adjacent lane and pass outside the markingsUse the markings as a cue to reduce speed and improve positioningFollow lane guidance around the excluded zone

Prohibited actions for M9

Driving into the hatched areaOvertaking by using the hatched areaStopping on the hatched area

M9 - Hatched Area road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the M9 - Hatched Area 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 purpose of the M9 Hatched Area sign?

The M9 Hatched Area sign marks a zone on the road where vehicles are forbidden to drive. Its purpose is to manage traffic flow, prevent collisions, and maintain safety by keeping specific areas clear, such as those used for separating lanes or protecting junctions.

Can I drive on a hatched area if there's no other traffic?

No, even if there's no other traffic, you must not drive on or use a hatched area. The M9 sign strictly prohibits entering, stopping on, or overtaking using these marked zones. They are designated as clear space for safety or traffic separation.

What actions are specifically prohibited by the M9 Hatched Area sign?

The M9 Hatched Area sign prohibits several actions: you must not drive into the hatched area, you cannot overtake other vehicles by using the hatched area, and you are not allowed to stop on the hatched area. Always keep to the designated lanes.

How should I react when I see an M9 Hatched Area sign?

When you see the M9 Hatched Area sign, you should maintain your position within your current lane and pass the marked zone without entering it. Use the markings as a visual cue to adjust your speed and positioning for safe navigation around the excluded area.

Are there any situations where I am allowed to cross or use a hatched area?

Generally, no. The M9 Hatched Area sign signifies a forbidden zone. The only clarification is that you should follow the lane guidance around it, meaning you are allowed to drive in the lane adjacent to the hatched area and pass safely outside the markings, not within them.

What are common exam traps related to the M9 Hatched Area sign?

A common exam trap is assuming you can use the hatched area if it seems convenient or if it would shorten your path, especially if it's near a junction. Remember, the M9 sign means the area is off-limits for driving, stopping, or overtaking at all times.

M9 - Hatched Area road sign image

A clear reference image of the M9 - Hatched Area road sign used in Sweden.

M9 - Hatched Area road sign

Other names for the M9 - Hatched Area

The M9 - Hatched Area road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Painted islandStriped exclusion zoneChevron area

Road Markings (M) road sign category

The M9 - Hatched Area road sign is part of the Road Markings (M) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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