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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the C19 Minimum Following Distance sign to maintain safe spacing.

C19 - Minimum Following Distance Swedish road sign meaning

The C19 Minimum Following Distance sign dictates the shortest safe distance you must maintain behind the vehicle in front. This important prohibition sign is used in specific situations like tunnels or steep gradients where longer stopping distances are crucial. Always adjust your speed to comply with this minimum distance, and remember it's an absolute minimum, especially in adverse conditions.

About the C19 - Minimum Following Distance road sign

Learn the key details of the C19 - Minimum Following Distance 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 C19

This sign enforces a minimum distance that must be maintained behind the motor vehicle in front traveling in the same direction. The number shown indicates the shortest permitted gap, typically in meters. It is used where longer stopping distances are necessary, such as in tunnels, on bridges, or on steep gradients. The rule applies from the sign location and continues as regulated for the section. Drivers must adjust speed and spacing to maintain at least the minimum distance at all times.

Meaning of C19

You must not drive closer to the vehicle ahead than the distance shown on the sign.

Allowed actions for C19

Increase your gap to at least the stated distanceAdapt speed to maintain a stable following distanceLeave extra space in poor weather or low visibility

Prohibited actions for C19

Following closer than the stated distanceTailgating the vehicle aheadAccelerating to reduce the gap below the minimum

C19 - Minimum Following Distance road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C19 - Minimum Following Distance 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 C19 Minimum Following Distance sign mean?

The C19 sign means you must not drive closer to the vehicle ahead than the distance indicated on the sign, usually in meters. It's a mandatory requirement to ensure adequate safety margins.

Where will I typically see the C19 Minimum Following Distance sign?

You'll commonly encounter the C19 sign in locations where maintaining a greater distance is necessary for safety, such as within tunnels, on bridges, or on steep downhill sections. These are areas where unexpected stops could have more severe consequences.

What are the common mistakes learners make with the C19 sign?

A frequent mistake is treating the indicated distance as a suggestion rather than a strict rule. Learners might also forget that in poor conditions like rain, fog, or ice, the safe distance needed is often greater than the minimum shown on the sign.

Do I need to maintain this distance even if the vehicle ahead is driving very slowly?

Yes, the C19 sign specifies a minimum distance that must be maintained regardless of the speed of the vehicle ahead, as long as you are traveling in the same direction. Your responsibility is to ensure your gap is at least the minimum specified distance at all times.

Does this sign mean I must always keep that exact distance?

No, the sign specifies the *minimum* distance. You are permitted to leave more space if you feel it is safer, which is often advisable in adverse weather, during darkness, or when you anticipate needing to stop quickly. The key is never to be closer than the distance shown.

C19 - Minimum Following Distance road sign image

A clear reference image of the C19 - Minimum Following Distance road sign used in Sweden.

C19 - Minimum Following Distance road sign

Other names for the C19 - Minimum Following Distance

The C19 - Minimum Following Distance road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Keep distanceMinimum gapDo not tailgateDistance control zone

Prohibitory Signs (C) road sign category

The C19 - Minimum Following Distance road sign is part of the Prohibitory Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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