Pedestrians
The symbol indicates pedestrians
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign you should immediately reduce speed, carefully observe pedestrians on and next to the road and be prepared to stop. If the sign is at a crosswalk you must wait and give priority to pedestrians who intend to cross; if it indicates a footpath, motor vehicles may not drive there.
Rules & Regulations
- The symbol indicates that pedestrians are present at or near the location — reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
- If the symbol is used at a crosswalk, pedestrians have priority; you must stop for pedestrians who intend to cross.
- When the symbol marks a footpath or pedestrian path, motor vehicles are normally not permitted to drive there; follow additional signs if exceptions are indicated.
- Interpret the sign together with any supplementary plates and road markings — the meaning of the symbol can vary depending on the combination.
Tips for Drivers
- Scan sidewalks and road edges early when you see the sign; children and cyclists can appear unexpectedly.
- Be prepared to stop completely if someone is standing at the edge of the sidewalk or at a crosswalk — wait until it is clear the person will not step out.
- Reduce passing speed and increase the safety distance when driving past pedestrians, especially in poor visibility or weather conditions.
- Look for supplementary signs that indicate whether bicycle traffic is allowed or whether it is a marked footpath rather than a crosswalk.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign always indicates a crosswalk where pedestrians will automatically wait — sometimes it only marks that pedestrians are present in the area.
- Continuing at normal speed and relying solely on pedestrians to give way — you must be prepared to stop.
- Misunderstanding that cyclists may always use the footpath when the symbol is present; cyclists generally must walk their bicycle on the footpath unless otherwise stated.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Pedestrians
What is expected of you when you see this symbol on a sign at a pedestrian walkway?
- A The symbol indicates pedestrians — this area is intended for pedestrians.
- B The symbol shows that bicycles have priority.
- C The symbol warns of horse traffic.
- D The symbol indicates that motor vehicles are allowed.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked to distinguish between when the symbol indicates a crosswalk (when pedestrians have priority) and when it only marks a footpath (where motor vehicles are prohibited). Read carefully whether there are road markings or a supplementary plate in the image.
Did You Know?
The pedestrian symbol is a simple pictogram sign used both as a warning and as an instruction sign in Sweden — it is commonly found near schools, parks and promenades, and as an additional symbol on information boards for footpaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign always mean pedestrians have priority?
No. The sign shows that pedestrians are present in the area. Pedestrians have priority at a marked crosswalk; if the sign only marks a footpath, motor vehicles are normally not allowed to drive there.
Are cyclists allowed to ride on a footpath where this symbol is displayed?
As a rule, cycling on a footpath is not allowed; cyclists should use a bicycle lane or ride on the road. If cycling is permitted, it should be indicated by a separate sign.
Can the sign be displayed together with other signs?
Yes. The symbol often appears together with supplementary plates or direction signs that specify whether it is a crosswalk, a footpath or a pedestrian-priority area. Always interpret the combination.
May I stop or park next to a place marked with the pedestrian symbol?
You must not park so that you obstruct or force pedestrians into the carriageway. Short stops may sometimes be permitted if they do not create danger or an obstruction, but avoid blocking the footpath.
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