Stop Sign
The sign indicates that you must come to a complete stop before proceeding and yield to all traffic on the intersecting road.
When You See This Sign
When you see the stop sign (B2) you should first come to a complete stop at the stop line or, if there is no line, at a place where you have a clear view of the crossing road. Carefully check all directions and yield to all road users on the crossing road before you proceed cautiously.
Rules & Regulations
- You must come to a complete stop (fully stationary) at the location where a stop is required before you proceed.
- Yield to all traffic on the crossing road — cars, cyclists, pedestrians and trams are included.
- Stop before the stop line; if no line exists, stop before the intersection where you have clear sight in both directions.
- Do not proceed until you can do so without obstructing or forcing other road users to swerve or brake abruptly.
Tips for Drivers
- Stop so that the front wheels are behind the stop line and the entire vehicle is stationary. If there is no line, stop where your visibility is sufficient.
- After stopping: look both ways, check the bike lane and the sidewalk, and check your blind spot before you intend to move on.
- If visibility is poor, move forward in stages (after having stopped) to improve visibility, but never proceed without first having stopped.
- Be extra alert for trams and cyclists, which can move quickly and close to the road surface — they also have the right of way.
Common Mistakes
- Performing a rolling stop (braking but never coming to a complete standstill).
- Stopping too far forward (inside the intersection) or after the stop line instead of before it.
- Underestimating that cyclists, pedestrians, or trams also have priority and only looking out for motor vehicles.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Stop Sign
What applies when you see this sign?
- A You must come to a complete stop before proceeding and give way to all traffic on the crossing road.
- B You must yield but do not need to stop if no traffic is visible.
- C The sign marks the end of a main road — you no longer have priority.
- D Vehicles must shift to low gear before the intersection.
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked a question testing the difference between stop and yield — remember that a stop always requires a full stop, even if the road appears clear. A common trap is believing that heavy braking without coming fully to rest is sufficient.
Did You Know?
The stop sign is an octagonal, internationally recognizable sign — its shape allows it to be identified even if the text is covered by snow. In Sweden, stop signs are used more sparingly than yield signs and are placed where a clear, mandatory stop rule is required for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to stop if there is no other traffic?
Yes. The stop requirement always requires a full stop before you proceed, even if you do not see any traffic in the intersection. Only after the stop may you continue if it is safe.
Exactly where should I stop if there is no stop line?
Stop at the place before the intersection where you have clear sight in both directions — often just before the crosswalk or the road edge where your view is not obstructed. After stopping you may move forward in stages to obtain a better view, but only after you have first come to a stop.
Does the stop requirement also apply to cyclists and moped riders?
Yes. The stop requirement applies to anyone traveling on the road where the sign is placed, so cyclists and moped riders must also stop if the sign faces their direction of travel.
What applies if there is both a stop sign and a traffic signal?
Traffic signals take precedence over road signs. If a traffic signal controls the intersection you must follow the signal. If there is no signal or the signal is out of order, the stop sign applies.
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