Stop
The sign indicates that you must stop
When You See This Sign
When you see the stop sign you must make a complete stop at the stop line or, if there is no line, before the pedestrian crossing or the intersection. After that, check that it is clear of vehicles and pedestrians and that you have the right to proceed according to the priority rules before continuing.
Rules & Regulations
- You must come to a complete stop at the stop sign — an incomplete stop ("rolling stop") does not count as compliance.
- Stop at the stop line if one exists; if there is no line, stop before the pedestrian crossing or, if there is no pedestrian crossing, before the start of the intersection.
- The duty to stop applies to all road users, including bicycles and class I/II mopeds.
- After you have stopped, you may only proceed when it is safe and you have fulfilled the right-of-way requirements according to the applicable priority rules. A police officer or traffic controller can override the sign and their instructions take precedence.
Tips for Drivers
- Slow down in good time so you can make a clear and complete stop without emergency braking.
- Position the car so you have a clear view in both directions before you move on — never stop inside the intersection.
- Check carefully for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in poor visibility or near schools and bus stops.
- Look in the mirrors and check the blind spot before you start driving again.
Common Mistakes
- Not coming to a full stop but instead slowing down and rolling through (a "rolling stop").
- Stopping too far forward so you block a pedestrian crossing, or stopping too far back so that visibility is poor.
- Believing that the stop requirement applies only to motor vehicles and not to bicycles or mopeds.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Stop
What applies at this stop sign?
- A You must come to a complete stop and give right of way to other traffic before you proceed.
- B You only need to slow down and may continue if the road appears clear.
- C The sign indicates that you must yield but do not need to stop.
- D It prohibits all entry and exit to the street.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked where to stop if there is no stop line — the correct answer is: before the pedestrian crossing, and if there is no pedestrian crossing, before the start of the intersection. Also remember that a police officer's signals always take precedence over signs.
Did You Know?
The stop sign is octagonal and red with white text and is an internationally recognizable symbol; in Sweden it is used primarily where an incomplete stop would involve a high risk of accidents, for example at rural road intersections with poor visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the stop sign apply even if there is no traffic at the intersection?
Yes. You must always come to a full stop regardless of whether the intersection appears clear. Only after stopping may you assess when it is safe to proceed.
Exactly where should I stop if there is no stop line?
Stop before the pedestrian crossing if one exists. If there is no pedestrian crossing, stop close enough to the start of the intersection that you do not enter it and so that you have good visibility.
Can a police officer order me to drive on despite a stop sign?
Yes. A police officer or traffic controller can override road signs and their hand signals or instructions should be followed and take precedence over signs.
Practice more in the app
Study Swedish road signs and driving theory in English. 314 signs with rules, tips and quizzes.