Lane Closed
The sign indicates that the lane is closed.
When You See This Sign
When you see "Lane closed" you should in good time carefully move out of the marked lane and into an open lane. Adjust your speed, check mirrors and the blind spot, and signal before you change lanes; follow any supplementary signs or traffic direction.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign indicates that one or more lanes are closed ahead and that you must change lanes in good time before the closure.
- You must not continue driving in the closed lane past the sign or past temporary barriers; instead follow the indicated detour routes and markings.
- The sign may be supplemented with additional plates (e.g., distance or length), in which case the information on the supplementary plate applies together with the lane closure.
- When changing lanes you must observe right of way and adjust your speed so that a safe and smooth merge occurs; also follow instructions from traffic controllers or road personnel.
Tips for Drivers
- Start planning your lane change early: check your rearview mirror and blind spot and signal well before you change lanes.
- Reduce speed in a controlled manner instead of braking hard at the last moment; steady deceleration reduces congestion and the risk of accidents.
- Pay attention to supplementary signs that state the distance to the closure or how long it lasts — this affects when and how you should change lanes.
- If traffic flow is dense and several vehicles need to change lanes, do so in good time and allow cooperative merging (letting vehicles in) to prevent dangerous overtaking.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting too long to change lanes and forcing your way into traffic at the last moment, which can cause sudden braking or accidents.
- Believing that the sign only applies to certain vehicles or that it is a recommendation — it is a mandatory instruction when posted.
- Ignoring supplementary plates that indicate the distance or length of the closure and therefore changing lanes in the wrong place.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Lane Closed
What does this sign mean for you as a driver?
- A One or more lanes are closed and must not be used (usually temporarily).
- B The lane ends permanently and you must change lanes in good time.
- C It is a warning sign for a narrow road section without lane markings.
- D It indicates that there is a special lane for vehicles with trailers.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked what to do if the sign is combined with a supplementary plate indicating "200 m" — the correct answer requires that you change lanes before that distance, not at the sign. Remember that the sign is mandatory and that the supplementary plate indicates where the closure starts or how long it lasts.
Did You Know?
The sign is often used at roadworks and during temporary diversions on motorways where lanes are removed. In many cases it is combined with cones or electronic signs to make the change clearer to road users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "Lane closed" apply to all vehicles?
Yes, the sign generally applies to all road users unless a supplementary plate explicitly states an exception. Always follow the sign's instructions unless otherwise indicated.
Can I drive in the closed lane up to an opening or lay-by?
No, you must change lanes well before the closure. Continuing in the closed lane until the last moment is dangerous and may violate the instructions.
What does a supplementary plate with "200 m" under the sign mean?
Such a supplementary plate indicates the distance to where the lane is closed — you must change lanes before you reach that point. It can also indicate how long the closure lasts if it shows a time.
Is there a difference between permanent and temporary signs for lane closures?
Functionally the message is the same, but temporary signs are often used in connection with roadworks and are supplemented with cones and traffic control. Both types are binding when posted.
Practice more in the app
Study Swedish road signs and driving theory in English. 314 signs with rules, tips and quizzes.