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Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

P9: Reduce Speed When Meeting an Oncoming Police Vehicle

P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) Swedish road sign meaning

The P9 sign, displayed on an oncoming police vehicle, instructs you to reduce your speed. This signal is typically used when there is a temporary hazard ahead on your side of the road, such as an incident, a road narrowing, or personnel working nearby. You must slow down smoothly and early, maintain your lane, and be ready for any further instructions or control measures, especially in poor visibility where the signal might be enhanced with lights or reflectors.

About the P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) road sign

Learn the key details of the P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) 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 P9

This signal is shown from a police vehicle to instruct oncoming traffic to slow down. It is used when there is a hazard ahead on your side or near the center of the road, such as an incident, narrowing, or personnel working close to traffic. You should reduce speed in good time, maintain lane discipline, and be prepared for further control measures. In darkness or reduced visibility, the signal may be supported by a white or yellow light or reflective equipment that returns white or yellow light.

Meaning of P9

Oncoming drivers meeting the police vehicle must reduce speed when this signal is shown. At night or in poor visibility, it may be reinforced with a white or yellow light or reflector.

Allowed actions for P9

Reducing speed smoothly and earlyStaying in your lane and passing with cautionWatching for people, vehicles, or obstacles near the roadwayBeing prepared for additional signals or temporary traffic controlAdjusting speed to visibility and road conditions

Prohibited actions for P9

Maintaining speed while passing the police vehicleCrossing the center line due to distractionOvertaking near the hazard areaBraking suddenly at the last momentIgnoring the signal because you think it applies only to the other direction

P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) 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 P9 'Reduce Speed' sign from a police vehicle mean for oncoming traffic?

When you see the P9 sign from an oncoming police vehicle, it means you must reduce your speed as you approach. This indicates there might be a hazard or a situation requiring extra caution ahead on your route or near the road.

How should I react when I see the P9 sign from a police car?

You should begin to reduce your speed smoothly and well in advance. Maintain your normal lane position and pass the police vehicle and any potential hazard with extra care. Be prepared for the possibility of needing to stop or take evasive action.

What if it's dark or visibility is poor when I see the P9 sign?

If visibility is reduced due to darkness or weather, the P9 signal might be reinforced with a white or yellow light or a reflector. This serves as an additional warning to slow down and be extra vigilant. Always adjust your speed according to visibility and road conditions.

What are common mistakes related to the P9 sign in the Swedish theory test?

A common trap is assuming the sign is only for traffic going in the same direction or failing to slow down sufficiently and early enough. Remember, it specifically instructs *oncoming* traffic to reduce speed due to an issue ahead on *your* path or beside it. Ignoring or delaying your response can lead to an exam failure.

Does the P9 sign mean I have to stop?

Not necessarily. The primary instruction is to reduce speed and proceed with caution. However, you must be prepared for the possibility that the situation ahead may require you to stop if indicated by the police or if the hazard necessitates it. Your reaction should be based on the specific circumstances.

P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) road sign image

A clear reference image of the P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) road sign used in Sweden.

P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) road sign

Other names for the P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle)

The P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Police vehicle slow down (oncoming)Reduce speed when meeting police carOncoming slow down instructionPatrol car speed reduction signalSlow down for incident ahead

Signals by Police Officer (P) road sign category

The P9 - Reduce Speed (Oncoming Traffic Meeting Police Vehicle) road sign is part of the Signals by Police Officer (P) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.