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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Stop Your Vehicle Immediately If an Officer is Facing You or Your Rear

P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) Swedish road sign meaning

The P1 'Stop' sign is a crucial traffic control signal used by police officers, particularly at intersections. It means you must come to a complete stop if you are approaching the officer from the front or from behind, and the officer is facing in your direction. Traffic approaching from the officer's sides is usually permitted to proceed. Remember, the officer's directions always override traffic lights and other signs, so always pay close attention to their body orientation and any gestures.

About the P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) road sign

Learn the key details of the P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) 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 P1

This signal means STOP for road users approaching the officer from the front or from behind. It is commonly used in intersections and remains valid as long as the officer continues facing the same direction. The officer’s body orientation is the key: if you are in the direction the officer faces, you must stop and wait. If you approach from the side, it indicates the way is clear for you and you are allowed to drive, provided you do so safely.

Meaning of P1

You must stop if you approach the officer from the front or from behind while the officer is oriented in your direction. Traffic coming from the officer’s sides may proceed.

Allowed actions for P1

Stopping before the conflict area or stop lineWaiting until the officer changes the signal or waves you onProceeding only if you are approaching from the side and the way is clearly permittedKeeping the junction clear while waitingFollowing any additional gestures or instructions from the officer

Prohibited actions for P1

Driving past the officer when you are being stoppedEntering the intersection against the stop instructionAssuming traffic lights override the officer’s signalContinuing to roll forward without fully stoppingIgnoring the officer’s body orientation

P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) 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 P1 'Stop' sign mean for drivers?

The P1 'Stop' sign means you must stop your vehicle if you are approaching a police officer from the front or from behind, and the officer is facing your direction. If you are approaching from the side, you may proceed if safe. This signal is critical for traffic management by law enforcement.

When is the P1 'Stop' sign valid?

The P1 'Stop' signal is valid only as long as the police officer maintains the same body orientation. Once the officer turns to face traffic from the sides, or changes their direction, the signal for vehicles previously stopped may change. Always watch the officer's movements.

Do traffic lights or other signs matter when I see the P1 'Stop' sign?

No, when a police officer is directing traffic using signals like the P1 'Stop' sign, their directions take precedence over traffic lights, other traffic signs, and road markings. You must follow the officer's instructions precisely.

What are common mistakes or exam traps related to the P1 'Stop' sign?

A common mistake is assuming that if the officer is not directly looking at you, you can proceed, or failing to stop completely. Another trap is believing that a green light or a 'go' signal from another direction overrides the officer's stop command. Always prioritize the officer's body orientation and explicit gestures.

Can I proceed if I am approaching the officer from the side?

Yes, if you are approaching the police officer from their side, and they are facing away from you or towards other traffic, you are generally permitted to proceed. However, you must still do so safely and be aware of any other instructions the officer might give.

P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) road sign image

A clear reference image of the P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) road sign used in Sweden.

P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) road sign

Other names for the P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back)

The P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Police stop signal (front/back)Officer stop from front or behindIntersection police stopStop on police commandPolice-controlled stop

Signals by Police Officer (P) road sign category

The P1 - Stop (Officer Facing You From Front or Back) road sign is part of the Signals by Police Officer (P) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.