What Are Warning Signs?
Warning signs in Sweden are triangular with a white or yellow background and red border. They alert you to a potential hazard ahead and require you to adjust your speed and attention. The hazard symbol appears inside the triangle.
The Most Important Warning Signs
- Roadworks ahead — reduce speed, watch for workers and machinery
- Uneven road surface — slow down to avoid losing control
- Slippery road — a car with wavy lines beneath it; reduce speed significantly
- Crossroads ahead — be prepared to give way depending on the junction layout
- Junction with a minor road — traffic from the side road must give way to you
- Children crossing — often near schools; be ready to stop
- Animals on road — moose, deer, or domestic animals may cross; especially at dawn and dusk
- Level crossing without barrier — one or three diagonal stripes; stop and look both ways
- Sharp bend — arrow indicates direction; slow down before the bend, not during it
- Narrow bridge or road — you may need to wait for oncoming traffic
How Far Ahead Do They Warn You?
On roads with a speed limit of 70 km/h or higher, warning signs are placed 150–250 metres before the hazard. In built-up areas they are closer. Begin adjusting your speed as soon as you see one — not when you reach the hazard.
Repeated Warning Signs
A sign with a distance plate below it (e.g. “1 km”) means the hazard is further ahead. A sign with a diagonal stripe across the top-left corner is an end-of-warning sign — the hazard zone is over.
Key Takeaways
- Triangle shape = warning
- Red border = standard warning (yellow/black = temporary, e.g. roadworks)
- Act immediately — slow down and increase your attention
- After passing the hazard, resume normal safe driving