Speed limit signs tell you the maximum speed permitted in ideal conditions. You must always adapt your speed to road, weather, and traffic — even if the posted limit is higher.
How Limits Are Posted
Speed limit signs in Sweden are circular with a red border, white background, and black numbers. A limit begins at the sign and applies until you see a new limit sign, enter a built-up area (default 50 km/h applies), or leave it (default 70 km/h rural applies).
Default Speed Limits
Where no sign is posted: 50 km/h inside built-up areas (indicated by the “built-up area” sign — white rectangle with a town silhouette), 70 km/h on rural roads, 90–120 km/h on motorways as posted.
End of Limit Signs
A circular sign with a diagonal grey bar through a speed number cancels that specific limit. A general “end of all restrictions” sign (white circle with multiple diagonal grey bars) cancels all posted limits — the default for the road type then applies.
Exam tip: Entering a built-up area sign automatically imposes 50 km/h. You do not need a separate speed limit sign for this to apply.