Rest Area
The sign indicates the direction to a rest area
When You See This Sign
When you see H13, decide if you need to rest and indicate your intention to turn off in good time by changing lanes safely and using your indicators. Reduce speed in a controlled manner, follow any arrows or supplementary plates, and park only in designated areas without obstructing other traffic.
Rules & Regulations
- The H13 sign indicates the direction to a rest area and functions as an informational/guide sign — it shows where you can leave the road to rest.
- The sign itself does not change the speed limit, right-of-way, or other rules on the road; applicable traffic regulations remain in effect until you actually turn into the rest area.
- You may stop and park at a rest area to rest, but you must follow any local parking instructions and must not obstruct traffic or block spaces reserved for emergency vehicles.
- Additional pictograms or supplementary plates can accompany H13 to show which facilities are available (toilets, benches, barbecue area, etc.); if such signs are absent, H13 does not imply that specific services are provided.
Tips for Drivers
- Signal and reduce speed well in advance before you turn off when you see the sign, so you can take the exit safely without sudden lane changes.
- Watch for supplementary symbols below or next to the sign that indicate whether there are toilets, tables, trash bins, or other facilities — H13 only indicates that a rest area exists in that direction.
- If the rest area is full or crowded, do not park on the hard shoulder or in a traffic lane — continue to the next rest area or drive to the nearest suitable parking location.
- Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists at the rest area entrance and exit, and park so that you do not obstruct other road users.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming that H13 automatically means there is fuel, food, or services — these are indicated separately with their own symbols.
- Incorrectly assuming that the sign means you must stop or that there are special traffic rules when approaching — it is only informative.
- Parking on the carriageway or hard shoulder thinking it's the same as using the rest area when the rest area's parking bays are full.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Rest Area
What does this sign mean?
- A Indicates that there is a rest area where you can stop and rest.
- B Indicates that parking is prohibited at the roadside.
- C Indicates that stopping for boarding and alighting is prohibited.
- D Indicates that there is a petrol station further ahead.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may get a question that tries to confuse H13 with service or prohibition signs — remember that H13 only indicates the direction to a rest area and does not say anything about speed limits, priority, or the presence of specific services.
Did You Know?
The rest area sign H13 is part of the informational signs and has been used in its current form in Sweden for a long time; many rest areas were developed along national roads during the 1960s and 1970s to improve road safety by encouraging tired drivers to rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
May I sleep in the car at a rest area?
A short rest in the car is generally allowed if you do not violate local public order or parking rules and do not obstruct other road users. Longer overnight stays or camping may be prohibited at some rest areas, so check for signage.
Does the sign show which services are available at the rest area?
No, H13 only indicates the direction to a rest area. Any services such as toilets, tables, or trash bins are shown with separate pictograms or supplementary plates at the same location.
Does H13 affect the speed limit or who has the right-of-way?
No, the sign does not change speed limits or right-of-way rules. When you turn off to the rest area, you should reduce speed and adapt your driving to the layout of the site and other road users.
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