Yellow Arrow or Arrows
The signal indicates preparation for lane change
When You See This Sign
When you see a yellow arrow you should prepare to change lanes in the direction the arrow indicates: check your mirrors and blind spot, signal, and change lanes as soon as it can be done safely. If there is no safe gap, continue in your lane until it is possible to change, but be prepared that the lane may soon be closed.
Rules & Regulations
- A yellow arrow indicates that you should prepare to change lanes in the direction of the arrow because the lane you are in may soon be closed or assigned a different status.
- When the arrow is illuminated you must change lanes as soon as it is safe — you must not impede or force other road users by performing dangerous maneuvers.
- When changing lanes the usual yielding rules apply: you must give way to traffic in the lane you wish to enter.
- The signal applies to the specific lane/arrow it is positioned over; always follow both the direction of the arrow and any supplementary road signs or markings.
Tips for Drivers
- Check your mirrors and blind spot early when you see a yellow arrow, signal well in advance, and leave space for vehicles braking in the new lane.
- Reduce speed in a controlled manner if necessary to change lanes safely — avoid sudden braking that surprises drivers behind you.
- Plan the move well in advance: if several yellow arrows appear in succession, start looking for gaps in the target lane immediately to avoid last‑minute stress.
- If you cannot change safely immediately, remain in your lane until a safe gap appears, but stay alert because the arrow often precedes a lane closure or a red arrow.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the yellow arrow is an order to change immediately without regard for safety — it is a preparatory signal, not an instruction to perform a dangerous maneuver.
- Misinterpreting the arrow as applying to the entire road instead of to the specific lane where the arrow is displayed.
- Trying to accelerate past a closing line instead of safely changing lanes when the arrow indicates your lane will soon close.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Yellow Arrow or Arrows
What does a yellow arrow or several yellow arrows in the signal mean?
- A Preparation for a lane change — the signal warns of a change
- B Guaranteed green period for your lane
- C Only pedestrians may pass
- D Reduced speed is recommended but no lane change is necessary
Exam Tip
On the theory test a question may try to trick you into answering that a yellow arrow means you must change immediately — the correct answer is that you should prepare and change when it is safe, taking other road users into account.
Did You Know?
Yellow arrows are often used in dynamic lane control displays on motorways, bridges and near roadworks to warn drivers in good time before a lane is closed or assigned a different status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the yellow arrow apply to all lanes on the road?
No, the arrow normally applies only to the lane or lanes over which the arrow is placed (for example, above a specific lane). Follow the arrow's position and any supplementary road markings.
Must I change lanes immediately as soon as I see a yellow arrow?
You must prepare to change lanes and change as soon as it is safe. However, you must not perform a dangerous or forced lane change and must give priority to traffic in the target lane.
What should I do if I cannot change lanes and the arrow above my lane lights up?
Continue calmly in your lane until a safe gap appears, but be extra attentive to subsequent signals — the arrow is a warning that your lane may be closed, so look for a gap as soon as possible.
Practice more in the app
Study Swedish road signs and driving theory in English. 314 signs with rules, tips and quizzes.