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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the P3 'Stop' Sign with a Police Lantern

P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You) Swedish road sign meaning

The P3 'Stop' sign, featuring a police lantern directed at you, is a critical signal used during darkness or reduced visibility. This sign replaces traditional hand signals, ensuring you receive a clear command to stop. Always come to a complete halt and wait for further instructions from the police officer. Understanding this sign is vital for safe driving and passing your Swedish theory test, especially in low-light conditions.

About the P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You) road sign

Learn the key details of the P3 - Stop (Lantern 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 P3

This signal is the night and low-visibility equivalent of a direct stop command. The officer points a lantern toward the road user who must stop, making the instruction visible even when hand signals may be hard to see. The lantern will be held where it is easiest for drivers to notice, which may be above shoulder height or extended outward. You must stop and remain stopped until a new instruction is given.

Meaning of P3

You must stop when a police lantern is directed toward you. This is used in darkness or when visibility is reduced.

Allowed actions for P3

Stopping promptly and safelyWatching for follow-up gestures or lights indicating you may proceedReducing speed early when you see police control aheadKeeping headlights appropriately adjusted to avoid dazzlingWaiting until the stop command is clearly lifted

Prohibited actions for P3

Continuing when the lantern is pointed at youAssuming it is only a warning lightPassing the officer because you cannot see a hand gestureDriving toward the lantern to ‘confirm’ the signalIgnoring the signal due to glare or reflections

P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the P3 - Stop (Lantern 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 P3 'Stop' sign mean?

The P3 'Stop' sign means you must stop your vehicle immediately when a police officer directs a lantern towards you. This signal is specifically used when visibility is poor, such as at night or in fog, to ensure the stop command is clearly visible.

What is the correct reaction to the P3 'Stop' sign?

Upon seeing the P3 'Stop' sign, you must stop your vehicle safely and completely. Remain stopped until the police officer gives you a new signal or instruction indicating that you may proceed. Do not assume it's just a warning light or try to guess the officer's intentions.

Why is a police lantern used instead of a hand signal for the P3 stop command?

A police lantern is used for the P3 stop command during darkness or reduced visibility because a hand signal might be difficult to see. The illuminated lantern makes the stop instruction much clearer and more visible to drivers, ensuring safety and compliance even when normal visual cues are obscured.

What are common mistakes learners make with the P3 'Stop' sign during the theory test?

A common trap is assuming the lantern is just a warning or trying to pass because a hand gesture isn't visible. Learners might also stop too abruptly, causing a hazard, or fail to wait for a clear signal to proceed. Remember, the illuminated lantern is a direct command to stop, just like a standard stop sign.

Can I drive through if I'm not sure the officer wants me to stop?

No, you must not drive through if there's any indication the officer is signalling you to stop, even with a lantern. If the lantern is pointed at you, it means stop. It's always safer to stop and wait for clarification than to risk an accident or a penalty for ignoring a stop signal.

P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You) road sign image

A clear reference image of the P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You) road sign used in Sweden.

P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You) road sign

Other names for the P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You)

The P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Police lantern stopStop light signalNight stop commandStop when lamp faces youLow-visibility stop signal

Signals by Police Officer (P) road sign category

The P3 - Stop (Lantern Facing You) road sign is part of the Signals by Police Officer (P) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.