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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the Police 'Proceed' Signal (P4) and How to React Safely

P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) Swedish road sign meaning

The P4 'Proceed' sign, often called a police wave-on, indicates that a police officer is directing you to continue forward. This signal authorizes traffic in the indicated direction to move, typically used to manage intersections or clear stopped traffic. While waved on, you must still proceed with caution, remain alert for other road users like pedestrians and cyclists, and be prepared for further instructions. Remember, you are always responsible for driving safely.

About the P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) road sign

Learn the key details of the P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) 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 P4

This signal authorizes traffic in the indicated direction to move on. The officer gives a waving motion in the direction of travel, communicating that the road user may proceed. It is typically used to release stopped traffic, manage flows through an intersection, or guide vehicles past an incident. You must still proceed carefully and be prepared to stop again if conditions change or another instruction is given.

Meaning of P4

You are allowed to continue forward in the direction indicated by the officer’s waving motion.

Allowed actions for P4

Proceeding in the indicated direction when safeMoving off smoothly and under controlFollowing the officer’s lane-by-lane or stream-by-stream instructionsStaying alert for new commandsYielding to vulnerable road users if they are still crossing

Prohibited actions for P4

Accelerating aggressively when waved onProceeding in a different direction than indicatedAssuming all lanes are released if only one is signaledIgnoring pedestrians or cyclists because you were waved onContinuing if the officer changes the signal back to stop

P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) 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 P4 'Proceed' sign mean?

The P4 sign means a police officer is directing you to continue moving forward in the direction they are indicating with a waving motion. It signifies that it is safe to proceed through the controlled point.

What should I do when I see the P4 'Proceed' signal from a police officer?

When a police officer gives the P4 'Proceed' signal, you should move forward smoothly and under control in the direction indicated. Always remain alert and be prepared to stop again if the officer changes their signal or if conditions require it.

Am I allowed to accelerate aggressively when the police officer waves me on with the P4 sign?

No, you should not accelerate aggressively. The 'Proceed' signal means you can move, but you must still do so smoothly and under control, maintaining a safe speed and being mindful of your surroundings and other road users.

Do I need to watch out for pedestrians and cyclists even if the police officer signals me to proceed with the P4 sign?

Yes, absolutely. Even when waved on by a police officer, you remain responsible for driving safely. You must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, or any other road users who may still be crossing or present in the area.

What if the police officer waves on traffic in one lane, but not mine?

The P4 signal is specific to the direction indicated. If only one lane is being signaled to proceed, you should not assume all traffic is released. Wait for a clear signal for your lane or direction of travel, or follow any other instructions given by the officer.

Is the P4 'Proceed' sign a permanent traffic sign?

No, the P4 'Proceed' signal is a temporary traffic control measure used by police officers to manage traffic flow manually. It is not a fixed road sign installed permanently. You will only see it when an officer is actively directing traffic.

P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) road sign image

A clear reference image of the P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) road sign used in Sweden.

P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) road sign

Other names for the P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward)

The P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Police wave onProceed signalContinue forward commandGo ahead instructionOfficer directs traffic to move

Signals by Police Officer (P) road sign category

The P4 - Proceed (Continue Forward) road sign is part of the Signals by Police Officer (P) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.