End of Recommended Lower Speed
The sign indicates that the recommendation for a lower speed has ended.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign you should understand that the previously recommended lower speed for that stretch no longer applies. Continue to obey the legal speed limits and adjust your speed for road, weather, and traffic conditions.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign means that a previously recommended lower speed no longer applies at the location where the sign is posted.
- Signs that express recommendations are not binding; you must still follow the applicable speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions and traffic.
- If there is simultaneously a mandatory speed sign (e.g., a sign showing a speed number) remaining at the location, the binding speed applies until it is expressly canceled.
- The recommendation that ends may have been local or temporary (e.g., at roadworks or hazard sections); E12 only cancels the recommendation previously given for the same stretch of road.
Tips for Drivers
- Check immediately which binding speed limits apply after the recommendation has ended — look to the sides to find any speed limit signs.
- Act calmly: do not accelerate suddenly when you pass the sign; instead adjust your speed gradually to road and traffic conditions.
- Be prepared that other road users may react differently — some will increase their speed while others will keep the previously recommended speed.
- If the recommendation concerned a temporary hazard (e.g., roadworks), remain alert because the danger may sometimes persist even after the recommendation has ended.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign means you are allowed to exceed the legal speed limit — E12 only cancels a recommendation; it does not change legal limits.
- Confusing E12 with a mandatory 'end of speed limit' sign (e.g., a white sign with a crossed-out speed) and thinking that all speed limits end.
- Misunderstanding the sign to mean that all previous warnings or measures end — some warnings or local rules may still apply even if the recommendation has ended.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: End of Recommended Lower Speed
What does this sign mean?
- A The recommendation to reduce speed ends here.
- B A new, lower mandatory speed limit begins here.
- C An area with increased risk of accidents begins here.
- D Only vehicles under a certain speed may continue.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may get a question that tests the difference between a recommendation and mandatory signage: the correct answer is that E12 only cancels a recommendation — it does not affect legal speed limits. Be careful to choose the option that states the recommendation has ended but that speed limits must still be obeyed.
Did You Know?
E12 is often used together with the sign that previously recommended a lower speed, for example at the end of a hazardous section, tunnel, or roadworks area. The sign is part of the information signs (the E-series) that clarify the start and end of recommendations in Sweden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does E12 mean I may drive faster than the previous recommendation?
No. E12 means the recommended lower speed has ended, but you may not exceed the legal speed limit. Always adjust your speed according to road conditions and traffic.
Which sign is canceled by E12?
E12 cancels a previous sign that recommended a lower speed (usually E11). It marks the end of that specific recommendation for the current road stretch.
Does E12 apply to the whole road or only one carriageway or lane?
As a rule, the sign applies to the stretch of road where it is posted. If the recommendation only applied to a specific carriageway or lane, this is normally indicated with additional markings.
Can the police fine me for following or not following a recommendation?
Recommendations themselves are not punishable, but you can be penalized if your speed is dangerous or clearly inappropriate for the conditions. Always follow legal speed limits and adjust your speed to the situation.
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