Vertical Line or Arrow
The signal indicates a lane for trams
When You See This Sign
When you see the vertical bar or arrow you should know that the tram may proceed in the direction the signal shows. As a motorist or pedestrian you must not obstruct the tram — be attentive and give way if the tram is going to pass across your lane or crossing.
Rules & Regulations
- The signal applies only to trams and indicates that a tram may proceed in the direction indicated by the vertical bar or arrow.
- Tram drivers must obey this tram signal; they do not need to wait for the regular traffic signal for motor vehicles if the tram signal shows proceed.
- Other road users are not required to obey the tram signal themselves, but they must not drive in a way that obstructs or creates a danger for a tram that has been given a proceed signal.
- If the tram signal shows stop (red or unlit), the tram must stop and wait for a proceed signal before continuing.
Tips for Drivers
- Look for separate tram signals at tramway crossings and pay extra attention to the tracks when such signals are present.
- Be prepared for a tram to start quickly when the vertical bar or arrow lights up — yield and leave space at intersections.
- If you are crossing tracks or turning, check the tram signal so you do not cut across a tram's movement when it has a proceed signal.
- Remember that the arrow indicates direction (for example a turn or the straight track) while the vertical bar usually means straight ahead for the tram.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that the vertical bar or arrow applies to all vehicles — it applies only to trams.
- Missing that a lit tram signal means a tram may proceed even though the regular vehicle traffic signal has not changed.
- Confusing the meaning of the arrow and thinking it automatically gives other vehicles the right to turn in the same direction.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Vertical Line or Arrow
What does a vertical bar or arrow in the signal device mean?
- A Applies to tram movement (tram may proceed)
- B Stop signal for all vehicles
- C Applies only to buses
- D Yield signal
Exam Tip
In exam questions they often test whether you understand who the signal applies to; the correct answer is that the vertical bar or arrow is a tram signal that applies only to trams — as a motorist you do not have to obey it but you must not obstruct the tram.
Did You Know?
Tram signals like this are used in cities with tram systems (for example Gothenburg and Norrköping) to give trams separate movement orders without affecting the phases of the regular traffic signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the vertical bar or arrow also apply to motor vehicle traffic?
No, the signal applies only to trams. Motorists do not need to obey it but must adjust so that they do not obstruct a tram that has been given a proceed signal.
What does the arrow mean compared with the vertical bar?
The arrow indicates that the tram may proceed in a certain direction (for example a turn), while the vertical bar usually indicates that the tram may go straight ahead. Both are tram signals and apply only to trams.
What should I do if both the tram signal and the vehicle signal show green at the same time?
The tram driver follows the tram signal. As a motorist you should still be attentive and not drive in a way that obstructs the tram if its movement crosses yours. Follow the normal right-of-way rules at the intersection.
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Study Swedish road signs and driving theory in English. 314 signs with rules, tips and quizzes.