Reduce Speed
The sign indicates that you should reduce your speed
When You See This Sign
When you see the police signal "Reduce speed" you must immediately reduce your speed to a safe level and be prepared to stop. Then follow any further instructions from the police, because their signals take precedence over other traffic rules until they cancel them.
Rules & Regulations
- The police signal P9 is binding — you must immediately reduce your speed when you see the signal.
- Police signals take precedence over traffic lights and regular road signs until the police cancel the signal or give another instruction.
- Reduce your speed to such a level that you can safely stop if the police or an obstacle requires it; the signal does not specify an exact speed.
- Failure to follow the police signal can result in fines or other legal consequences because you are not complying with an official instruction.
Tips for Drivers
- Brake smoothly and in a controlled manner — signal early, for example with a quick headlight flash or an appropriate indicator, so drivers behind have time to adjust.
- Slow down in good time and keep extra distance to the vehicle ahead so you can stop if the police or an accident scene requires it.
- Be prepared for the police to give additional instructions (hand signals or verbal direction) that you must follow immediately.
- Avoid overtaking and sudden lane changes when P9 is shown; maintain your course and speed until you have a clear indication otherwise.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the signal specifies a specific speed — it only indicates that you should reduce speed to a safe level.
- Ignoring that the police signal takes precedence over traffic lights or road signs and continuing at unchanged speed.
- Assuming that reduced speed automatically means you must stop — you should be prepared to stop, but stopping only occurs if the police or the circumstances require it.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Reduce Speed
What applies to this road sign?
- A You must reduce your speed
- B You must yield at the next intersection
- C The stop requirement is lifted
- D Only pedestrians are allowed
Exam Tip
On the theory test a question may try to trick you into thinking that P9 specifies a concrete speed limit or that it does not need to be followed if the traffic lights indicate something else. The correct answer is that you must reduce your speed and that police signals take precedence over traffic lights.
Did You Know?
P9 is one of the standardized police signals used at accidents, road operations and traffic control in Sweden; the signal can be shown by hand, police lights or portable signs from police vehicles and is not a permanent road sign but an official instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does P9 count as a new speed limit?
No, P9 does not indicate an exact speed. It urges you to reduce to a safe speed and be prepared to stop if the police or circumstances require it.
Does the police signal apply only to certain vehicles?
No, the police signal applies to all road users it is directed at. If the police show P9 toward your lane, you as the driver must follow the instruction.
What happens if I don't follow the signal?
Not following police signals is an offense and can result in fines or other penalties. In addition, you risk creating dangerous situations for yourself and others on the road.
Is P9 always shown by an officer using hand signals?
No, P9 can be displayed in several ways: as a hand signal, with police vehicle lights, or with mobile signs at accident sites and roadworks. Regardless of how it is presented, the instruction is binding.
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