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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Learn the meaning of the C27 'No Overtaking' road sign and how to react safely.

C27 - No Overtaking Swedish road sign meaning

The C27 'No Overtaking' sign is a crucial prohibition sign that tells you that you must not overtake most motor vehicles on the road section where it is displayed. This restriction typically applies to cars, trucks, and buses, but usually allows overtaking of two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without sidecars. You'll often see this sign on stretches of road where overtaking would be dangerous due to narrowness, sharp bends, steep hills, or limited visibility, ensuring you maintain a safe distance and wait for a designated overtaking area.

About the C27 - No Overtaking road sign

Learn the key details of the C27 - No Overtaking 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 C27

This sign prohibits overtaking other motor vehicles on the road section it applies to. The prohibition typically allows overtaking only of two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar. It is used where overtaking would be dangerous, such as on narrow roads, bends, hills, or areas with poor visibility. The restriction starts at the sign and continues as regulated until an end sign or another instruction changes the rule. Drivers must remain behind slower vehicles and wait for a permitted overtaking zone.

Meaning of C27

You must not overtake most motor vehicles, except specified two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without sidecar.

Allowed actions for C27

Stay behind the vehicle aheadMaintain a safe following distanceWait until the restriction ends or a legal passing zone appears

Prohibited actions for C27

Overtaking a car, truck, or bus in the restricted sectionCrossing into opposing lanes to passAccelerating to pass in a prohibited zone

C27 - No Overtaking road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C27 - No Overtaking 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 C27 'No Overtaking' sign specifically prohibit?

The C27 'No Overtaking' sign prohibits you from overtaking most motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses. You must stay behind these vehicles if they are travelling slower than you. The primary exception is usually two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar, which you may be allowed to overtake if safe to do so.

When does the C27 'No Overtaking' restriction end?

The prohibition indicated by the C27 sign starts where the sign is placed and continues until it is officially ended. This typically happens when you reach an 'End of Prohibition' sign (often a black and white diagonal strikethrough version of the prohibition sign) or when another traffic sign or rule modifies the restriction, such as the start of a designated overtaking zone.

Are there situations where overtaking is still allowed despite the C27 sign?

Yes, the C27 sign's prohibition is specific. While you cannot overtake cars, trucks, or buses, you are generally permitted to overtake certain slower vehicles like two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without sidecars, provided it is safe and does not involve crossing into oncoming traffic where visibility is poor. Always assess the situation carefully.

What are common mistakes learners make regarding the C27 'No Overtaking' sign in the theory test?

A common exam trap is assuming the C27 sign only applies if you can visually see oncoming traffic. However, the sign creates a legal prohibition regardless of immediate traffic conditions. Learners might also forget the specific exceptions, like being allowed to overtake certain motorcycles, or they might misinterpret when the restriction ends. Always understand the sign's precise meaning and its duration.

Can road markings also restrict overtaking even if the C27 sign is not present?

Absolutely. Road markings, such as solid white lines in your lane or continuous white lines separating traffic in opposite directions, also prohibit overtaking. The C27 sign adds a clear legal restriction, often reinforcing or extending the rules indicated by road markings, especially in areas where visibility is a concern.

C27 - No Overtaking road sign image

A clear reference image of the C27 - No Overtaking road sign used in Sweden.

C27 - No Overtaking road sign

Other names for the C27 - No Overtaking

The C27 - No Overtaking road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Overtaking prohibitedNo passingDo not overtakePassing banned

Prohibitory Signs (C) road sign category

The C27 - No Overtaking road sign is part of the Prohibitory Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

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