The SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal, often called a 'Stop bar' or 'Horizontal line signal', is a crucial traffic control sign that requires you to stop. You must halt your vehicle before the stop line or the signal itself if no line is present. This sign functions like an amber light, meaning you should only proceed if you are already so close to the signal when it changes that stopping would be dangerous.
Learn the key details of the SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) 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.
A horizontal bar signal instructs vehicles and trams to stop before the stop line, or before the signal if no line is provided. It functions similarly to an amber-style stop instruction in that a limited safety exception applies: if you have already come so far forward at the moment the signal changes from vertical bar (proceed) to horizontal bar (stop) that stopping would be dangerous, you may continue carefully. In normal circumstances, you must stop promptly and wait for the next permissive indication. The intent is to control traffic flow safely in systems using these bar signals.
Stop. You must not pass the stop line or the signal, unless you are too close to stop safely when it changes from vertical to horizontal.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) 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.
The primary instruction of the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) is that you must stop. You need to halt your vehicle before the designated stop line or the signal itself if there's no line. It signifies a mandatory stop point for traffic control.
Yes, there is a safety exception. If the signal changes from a 'proceed' indication (like a vertical bar) to the 'stop' indication (horizontal bar) and you are already so close that stopping safely is impossible, you may continue carefully. However, this is a genuine safety measure, not a way to avoid stopping if you could do so safely.
You are prohibited from passing the stop line if you could have stopped safely. Accelerating to try and beat the stop signal is also forbidden. Entering the controlled area on a 'stop' aspect is not allowed unless the safety exception applies.
The SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal functions similarly to a red traffic light in that it requires a stop. However, it often incorporates a phase that allows drivers already very close to the signal to proceed if stopping would be dangerous, akin to an amber warning before a red light. Always prioritise stopping safely if you have the chance.
A common mistake is misinterpreting the safety exception as a general rule to try and speed up to pass the signal. Learners might also hesitate too long, leading to a dangerous situation or failing to stop when required. Always remember: stop if you can do so safely; proceed only if stopping is genuinely dangerous due to your proximity.
A clear reference image of the SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign used in Sweden.
The SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign is part of the Traffic Signals (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.