Logo
Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Understand the Variable Recommended Maximum Speed Sign (E13)

E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) Swedish road sign meaning

The E13 sign displays a recommended maximum speed that is temporarily lower than the legal limit. This changeable sign is used to advise drivers to reduce their speed due to current conditions like traffic, weather, or incidents, ensuring safer driving. Although it's a recommendation, you should always take it seriously and adjust your speed accordingly, especially as it's designed to reflect real-time hazards and is often below the general speed limit for the road.

About the E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign

Learn the key details of the E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) 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 E13

This sign is used as a changeable (variable) road sign and indicates that conditions are temporarily such that higher speeds are not suitable. The displayed value is always lower than the legal maximum speed for the road. It provides real-time guidance to reduce risk during incidents, weather events, congestion, or other temporary hazards. Although it is a recommendation, it is intended to match safe driving for the current situation and should be taken seriously.

Meaning of E13

A temporary recommended maximum speed is shown. Do not exceed the displayed value in the current conditions.

Allowed actions for E13

Adapt to the displayed speed to match conditionsIncrease following distance and drive defensively when the sign is active

Prohibited actions for E13

Exceeding the displayed recommended speed in temporary hazardous conditionsAssuming the legal maximum is always appropriate when the sign is active

E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) 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 E13 Recommended Maximum Speed sign mean?

The E13 sign shows a recommended maximum speed for the current conditions. This is a temporary advisory speed that is always lower than the legal maximum speed for that road. It's displayed on variable signs to alert you to potential hazards or reduced visibility.

Do I have to obey the speed shown on the E13 sign?

While not a strict prohibition like a permanent speed limit sign, the E13 is a strong recommendation from the authorities to drive at a safer speed for the current conditions. Failing to adhere to the displayed recommended speed, especially if it contributes to an accident, could be seen as disregarding safe driving practices. You should always adapt your speed to match the sign and the conditions.

When are variable speed signs like E13 typically used?

Variable signs like the E13 are often used on motorways or major roads where conditions can change rapidly. You might see them activated during heavy traffic congestion, adverse weather (fog, heavy rain, ice), accidents ahead, roadworks, or other temporary safety concerns to proactively reduce risks.

What's the difference between the E13 sign and a regular speed limit sign?

A regular speed limit sign (like E10 or E11) indicates the absolute legal maximum speed you must not exceed. The E13 sign, however, suggests a speed that is *recommended* for the specific, temporary conditions. It's always lower than the legal maximum and implies that even the legal maximum might be too fast for safety at that moment.

Are there any specific theory exam traps related to the E13 sign?

A common exam trap is thinking the E13 sign is optional or unimportant because it's a 'recommendation'. In reality, it's crucial for safe driving and demonstrating awareness of changing conditions. Treat it as a directive to slow down. Another trap is confusing it with a permanent speed limit; remember it's variable and context-dependent.

E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign image

A clear reference image of the E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign used in Sweden.

E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign

Other names for the E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign)

The E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Variable advisory speedTemporary recommended speedDynamic recommended limitAdvised maximum speed

Directional Signs (E) road sign category

The E13 - Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) road sign is part of the Directional Signs (E) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Dive into Swedish road sign knowledge

E26 Tunnel Swedish road signE1 Motorway Swedish road signE19 Parking Swedish road signSwedish Moped Theory AM courseE22 Bus Stop Swedish road signSwedish Driving Theory B courseE20 Zone Sign Swedish road signE25 Toll Road Swedish road signE21 End of Zone Swedish road signSwedish Motorcycle Theory A courseE29 Escape Route Swedish road signE17 Dead End Road Swedish road signE18 Passing Place Swedish road signE2 End of Motorway Swedish road signE28 Emergency Exit Swedish road signE15 Weaving Section Swedish road signE16 One-way Traffic Swedish road signSymbols (S) Swedish road sign categoryRoad Markings (M) Swedish road sign categoryWarning Signs (A) Swedish road sign categoryE23 Taxi Stand (End Limit) Swedish road signE11 Recommended Lower Speed Swedish road signMandatory Signs (D) Swedish road sign categoryTraffic Signals (L) Swedish road sign categoryE27 Emergency Stopping Place Swedish road signE10 End of Walking Speed Area Swedish road signDirectional Signs (E) Swedish road sign categoryInformation Signs (J) Swedish road sign categoryProhibitory Signs (C) Swedish road sign categoryLocalisation Signs (F) Swedish road sign categoryOther Road Devices (X) Swedish road sign categorySupplementary Plates (T) Swedish road sign categoryE24 Automatic Traffic Enforcement Swedish road signE12 End of Recommended Lower Speed Swedish road signE3 Expressway (Motor Traffic Road) Swedish road signYield and Priority Signs (B) Swedish road sign categorySignals by Police Officer (P) Swedish road sign categoryE4 End of Expressway (Motor Traffic Road) Swedish road signE13 Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) Swedish road signE14 End of Recommended Maximum Speed (Variable Sign) Swedish road sign