Red
The signal indicates stop
When You See This Sign
When you see a red signal you must stop in front of the stop line or, if no line exists, in a position where you will not obstruct crossing traffic or pedestrians. Remain stopped until the signal shows green or a clear green arrow for your direction before you proceed.
Rules & Regulations
- A red signal means you must stop: you should stop at the stop line or, if there is none, before the area where crossing traffic or pedestrians pass.
- You must not proceed or roll into the intersection while the signal is red. Wait until the signal shows green or a specific green arrow for your direction.
- Exceptions to the red signal are only given by a green arrow in the same signal display or by instructions from police or traffic controllers. Signs explicitly allowing turns on red are very rare.
- The red signal applies to the road user groups and lanes for which the signal is intended — separate signals may exist for buses, trams, cyclists and pedestrians.
Tips for Drivers
- Stop in a controlled manner before the stop line so that you do not block a sidewalk or cycle lane. Position your vehicle so that other road users have clear visibility.
- Keep your foot on the brake and downshift instead of releasing the clutch and creeping forward — avoid rolling into the intersection by mistake.
- Be attentive to supplementary signals (green arrow, arrows for left turns, tram signals). A green arrow applies only to the direction the arrow indicates.
- Look for traffic lights that apply specifically to cyclists or buses — red for one lane can at the same time be green for another.
Common Mistakes
- Believing it is permitted to turn right on red without a specific green arrow or sign.
- Failing to stop before the stop line and instead rolling into the intersection, which can block crosswalks or crossing traffic.
- Confusing which road user groups the signal applies to — for example assuming that red for cars automatically applies to cyclists in a separate lane.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Red
What should you do when you encounter this signal?
- A Stop — the signal indicates stop
- B Continue if the road is clear
- C Slow down but you do not need to stop
- D Yield to pedestrians
Exam Tip
On the theory test a common trap may be a question about turning on red: remember that turning is only allowed if there is a green arrow or a specific sign stating that turning on red is permitted. Police instructions always take precedence over the signals.
Did You Know?
In the Swedish traffic signal system the red signal (SIG1) is the basic stop signal and often appears together with separate arrows to regulate turns — on the theory test there are frequently questions where combinations of red and arrow signals must be interpreted correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn right at a red signal if the way is clear?
No, in Sweden you may not turn right on red unless there is a green arrow or a sign that explicitly allows it. You must wait for a green signal or follow the police officer's directions.
Exactly where should I stop if there is no stop line?
Stop before the area where crossing traffic or pedestrians pass — usually at the edge of the crossing road or in front of a pedestrian crossing. Make sure you do not block visibility or the crossing.
Does the red signal also apply to cyclists and pedestrians?
Yes, the signal applies to the road user groups it is intended for. There are often separate signals for cyclists and pedestrians, so follow the signal that applies to your group.
What should I do if a police officer directs traffic contrary to the traffic light?
Always follow the instructions of the police officer or other traffic controller over the traffic signals. The police's instructions take precedence if they differ from the signals.
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Study Swedish road signs and driving theory in English. 314 signs with rules, tips and quizzes.