Control
The sign indicates that a control is in progress
When You See This Sign
When you see the 'Control' sign you should immediately slow down, keep a safe distance and be prepared to stop at the indicated place. Follow the signals and instructions given by police or traffic controllers and present documents when asked.
Rules & Regulations
- The P6 sign (Control) indicates that a police or traffic control is in progress in the area and that drivers must be prepared to stop if instructed by the police.
- You must follow the police's instructions and stop signals; ignoring or attempting to drive past a personnel-directed control is a crime.
- Reduce your speed and keep distance so that you can stop safely when approaching the control; any speed limits or diversions indicated by the police must be followed.
- If you are asked to stop, you must, upon request, present your driving license, vehicle registration documents and other relevant papers, and follow instructions from police or traffic controllers directing the vehicles.
Tips for Drivers
- Reduce speed in good time, signal clearly with your indicators and position yourself in the correct lane if the control directs traffic to a specific assembly area.
- Keep your driving license and vehicle documents easily accessible so the stop can be quick and smooth if you are asked to stop.
- Stop at the indicated location and wait in your vehicle if the police do not instruct you to exit — always follow the police's instructions for safety.
- Do not attempt to turn around, drive around, or block the road to avoid the control; this can lead to suspicion and legal consequences.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that the sign automatically means all vehicles must stop immediately — the sign warns of a control, but stopping occurs when the police direct it.
- Attempting to drive past or turn around to avoid the control, which may be perceived as suspicious behavior or be illegal.
- Not having necessary documents easily accessible, which delays the control and can create unnecessary complications.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Control
How should you act when you see this sign?
- A Slow down
- B Stop immediately and wait
- C Increase your speed to get ahead of crossing traffic
- D Pull over to the right and check the vehicle
Exam Tip
In the theory test a common trap is to claim that the sign requires an immediate stop for all vehicles — the correct answer is that the sign warns of an ongoing control, but stopping occurs when the police direct it.
Did You Know?
P6 is often used together with cones, flashing warning lights or police hand and light signals and is commonly seen at sobriety and vehicle checks during holidays or major events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to stop when I see the 'Control' sign?
Not necessarily; the sign means a control is in progress and you should be prepared to stop. You stop when police or traffic controllers instruct it or if there are clear stop markings.
What should I have with me if I am stopped at a control?
Have your driving license and the vehicle's registration document easily accessible as well as any insurance documents. The police may also request other relevant information depending on the purpose of the control.
What happens if I try to drive past the control?
Attempting to drive past or avoid the control can lead to police intervention; you may be stopped and could be suspected of offences against traffic safety or obstruction of official duties.
Practice more in the app
Study Swedish road signs and driving theory in English. 314 signs with rules, tips and quizzes.