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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

You must stop when the police officer's palm faces you.

P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) Swedish road sign meaning

The P2 sign, showing a police officer's palm facing you (or a stop paddle), is a direct command to stop. This traffic sign indicates you must halt your vehicle immediately and remain stopped until given a different signal. This directive overrides traffic lights, so always obey the officer's command for safety and traffic flow.

About the P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) road sign

Learn the key details of the P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) 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 P2

This is a direct stop command aimed at the road user the officer’s palm faces. The palm acts as a clear visual barrier meaning you are not permitted to continue. The signal can be reinforced or replaced by a stop paddle, which makes the command easier to notice. You must stop promptly and remain stopped until you are given a different instruction.

Meaning of P2

You must stop when the officer’s palm is facing you. The signal may also be given using a stop paddle.

Allowed actions for P2

Stopping immediately in a safe positionWaiting until the officer waves you on or changes the signalMaking sure your vehicle does not block crossings or junctionsMaintaining readiness to follow further directionsStopping even if your traffic light is green

Prohibited actions for P2

Proceeding when the palm is directed at youRolling past the officer to ‘creep’ forwardPassing the stop paddleAccelerating to clear the areaAssuming the signal is meant for someone else when it is facing you

P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) 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 P2 'Stop (Palm Facing You)' sign mean?

The P2 sign means you must stop your vehicle immediately when a police officer's palm is directed towards you. This signal, sometimes reinforced by a stop paddle, is a mandatory stop command that takes precedence over other traffic signals like traffic lights.

What should I do if I see a police officer with their palm facing me?

If a police officer's palm is facing you, you must stop your vehicle safely and promptly. Do not proceed until the officer signals you to do so, for example, by waving you on or changing their signal. This applies even if your traffic light is green.

Can I creep forward to see if the stop signal is for me?

No, creeping forward is not allowed. The 'Stop (Palm Facing You)' signal is a clear command to halt. You must stop immediately in a safe position, ensuring your vehicle doesn't obstruct any crossings or junctions, and wait for further instructions from the officer.

What are common mistakes related to the P2 stop sign in the theory exam?

A common mistake is assuming the signal is not for you or trying to proceed under a green light. Learners sometimes also hesitate to stop completely or stop too far past the officer. Always remember: if the palm faces you, you must stop, no exceptions.

Is there any difference if the officer uses a stop paddle?

No, there is no functional difference. A stop paddle is often used to make the stop command even clearer, especially in busy traffic or poor visibility. Whether it's the officer's hand or a stop paddle displaying 'STOP' and facing you, the instruction to stop remains the same.

P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) road sign image

A clear reference image of the P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) road sign used in Sweden.

P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) road sign

Other names for the P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You)

The P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Stop hand signalPalm out stopPolice stop paddleStop on commandOfficer palm stop

Signals by Police Officer (P) road sign category

The P2 - Stop (Palm Facing You) road sign is part of the Signals by Police Officer (P) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.