Catering
The sign indicates the direction to a catering establishment
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign for a place that serves food, it indicates the direction of a café, restaurant, or other food service establishment. Prepare a safe exit by reducing speed, signaling, and following any supplementary signs for distance and parking.
Rules & Regulations
- The H5 sign is an information sign (location service) that indicates the direction to a food service establishment and is not a prohibitory or yield sign.
- The arrow on the sign shows the direction you should drive to reach the food service establishment; follow the arrow's guidance for route choice but note that it is not mandatory to turn.
- The sign does not guarantee opening hours, that food is currently being served, or that parking is available at the location; such information may be shown on supplementary signs.
- Seeing this sign does not mean you have right of way or other traffic privileges. Follow the normal traffic rules when leaving the main road to reach the establishment.
Tips for Drivers
- Reduce speed in good time and signal before turning off after the sign, especially if the establishment is located on a smaller road or driveway.
- Watch for supplementary signs below or after the H5 that show distance, opening hours, or parking before deciding to turn off.
- Avoid stopping on the carriageway or shoulder to read signs; instead drive on to a safe place or parking area before making a decision.
- On motorways: plan your exit in good time. Do not take risks with sudden lane changes or U-turns to reach the establishment.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign grants right of way or any form of traffic priority to those heading to the establishment.
- Assuming the establishment is always open or that food and drink are always offered without checking supplementary information.
- Confusing the sign with rest area, toilet, or other service signs and assuming the same facilities are always available.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Catering
What does this sign mean if you need something to eat or drink quickly?
- A It indicates the direction to a food service place (quick service, simple meals).
- B It indicates the direction to a full-service restaurant with table service.
- C It indicates the direction to a farm produce shop.
- D It indicates the direction to a hotel.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may get a question that tries to make you believe that H5 implies some form of obligation or right (for example, right of way or a mandatory turn). The correct answer is that H5 only informs about the direction to a food service establishment and does not change the traffic rules.
Did You Know?
The cutlery symbol (fork and knife) is internationally recognizable and is used to guide travelers to eating places; in Sweden H5 is often placed along tourist routes and motorways near exits to help drivers find food without having to search maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign mean I can park at the food service establishment?
Not necessarily. H5 only shows the direction to a food service. Parking availability and any conditions are often indicated on supplementary signs or at the location.
Does the sign indicate a public food service or could it be private?
The sign only indicates that a food service establishment is in the direction the arrow points. It says nothing about public or private and you should check opening hours and availability separately.
Can I stop on the shoulder to read where the food service is located?
No. Do not stop on the carriageway or shoulder to read signs. Continue to a safe place or parking bay before stopping to check directions.
Is H5 usually combined with other information signs?
Yes. H5 is often supplemented with distance signs, opening hours or symbols for parking and accessibility to provide more detailed information about the establishment.
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