Driving Theory
Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

What the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal means: You MUST stop.

SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) Swedish road sign meaning

The SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal, often called a 'Stop bar' or 'Horizontal line signal', is a crucial traffic control sign that requires you to stop. You must halt your vehicle before the stop line or the signal itself if no line is present. This sign functions like an amber light, meaning you should only proceed if you are already so close to the signal when it changes that stopping would be dangerous.

Interpreting the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal

This essential guide clarifies the critical meaning of the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal, ensuring you know precisely when to stop and avoid violations. Master this key road sign interpretation for your Swedish theory test revision and safe driving.

Definition of SIG11

A horizontal bar signal instructs vehicles and trams to stop before the stop line, or before the signal if no line is provided. It functions similarly to an amber-style stop instruction in that a limited safety exception applies: if you have already come so far forward at the moment the signal changes from vertical bar (proceed) to horizontal bar (stop) that stopping would be dangerous, you may continue carefully. In normal circumstances, you must stop promptly and wait for the next permissive indication. The intent is to control traffic flow safely in systems using these bar signals.

Meaning of SIG11

Stop. You must not pass the stop line or the signal, unless you are too close to stop safely when it changes from vertical to horizontal.

Allowed actions for SIG11

Stopping before the stop line or signalProceeding only if stopping would be unsafe due to proximityWaiting until a permissive aspect is shown

Prohibited actions for SIG11

Passing the stop line when you could stop safelyAccelerating to avoid stoppingEntering the controlled area late on the stop aspect

SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Swedish driving theory exam in Sweden.

What is the primary instruction of the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal?

The primary instruction of the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) is that you must stop. You need to halt your vehicle before the designated stop line or the signal itself if there's no line. It signifies a mandatory stop point for traffic control.

Is there any exception to stopping at the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal?

Yes, there is a safety exception. If the signal changes from a 'proceed' indication (like a vertical bar) to the 'stop' indication (horizontal bar) and you are already so close that stopping safely is impossible, you may continue carefully. However, this is a genuine safety measure, not a way to avoid stopping if you could do so safely.

What actions are prohibited when seeing the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal?

You are prohibited from passing the stop line if you could have stopped safely. Accelerating to try and beat the stop signal is also forbidden. Entering the controlled area on a 'stop' aspect is not allowed unless the safety exception applies.

How does the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal differ from a red traffic light?

The SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal functions similarly to a red traffic light in that it requires a stop. However, it often incorporates a phase that allows drivers already very close to the signal to proceed if stopping would be dangerous, akin to an amber warning before a red light. Always prioritise stopping safely if you have the chance.

What are common mistakes learners make with the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal?

A common mistake is misinterpreting the safety exception as a general rule to try and speed up to pass the signal. Learners might also hesitate too long, leading to a dangerous situation or failing to stop when required. Always remember: stop if you can do so safely; proceed only if stopping is genuinely dangerous due to your proximity.

SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign image

A clear reference image of the SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign used in Sweden.

SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign

Other names for the SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop)

The SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Horizontal line signalStop barTram stop barBar stop indicationHorizontal bar stop

Traffic Signals (L) road sign category

The SIG11 - Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) road sign is part of the Traffic Signals (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Road Sign Knowledge

Mastering Swedish road signs means understanding the nuances between similar symbols. Reviewing related signs like the SIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal alongside others helps cement recognition and reduces confusion, vital for effective theory test revision. This direct traffic sign comparison is key to accurate sign recognition.

SIG1 - Red Signal road sign

Red Signal

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Traffic Signals (L)SIG1
SIG10 - Vertical Bar Signal (Proceed) road sign

Vertical Bar Signal (Proceed)

SIG10 Vertical Bar Signal: Your signal to proceed when clear.

Traffic Signals (L)SIG10
SIG12 - Red Cross (Lane Closed) road sign

Red Cross (Lane Closed)

The Red Cross traffic sign (SIG12) means your lane is closed – act immediately!

Traffic Signals (L)SIG12
SIG13 - Amber Arrow(s) (Change Lane) road sign

Amber Arrow(s) (Change Lane)

Follow the Amber Arrow: You Must Change Lane!

Traffic Signals (L)SIG13
SIG14 - Green Arrow (Lane Open) road sign

Green Arrow (Lane Open)

The Green Arrow Sign: Your Lane is Open and Ready for Traffic!

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SIG15 - Red Flashing Light (Stop) road sign

Red Flashing Light (Stop)

This Red Flashing Light Means You Must Stop Immediately.

Traffic Signals (L)SIG15
SIG16 - Red Flashing Light (Stop) road sign

Red Flashing Light (Stop)

What the SIG16 Red Flashing Light Traffic Sign means: You must stop!

Traffic Signals (L)SIG16
SIG17 - Steady Red Light (Road Closed) road sign

Steady Red Light (Road Closed)

Steady Red Light (SIG17) Means the Road is Completely Closed

Traffic Signals (L)SIG17
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Amber Signal

An amber (yellow) signal instructs you to stop before the stop line. If no stop line exists, you must stop before the signal. The key exception is when you have already approached so close at the moment the light changes from green to amber that stopping would create danger, for example by causing a harsh stop that risks a rear-end collision. In that case, you may continue carefully and clear the intersection without accelerating aggressively.

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No U-Turn

This sign prohibits making a U-turn where it is placed or just before the relevant junction. It is used where U-turns would be unsafe due to limited visibility, heavy traffic, or complex junction design. The prohibition applies to the intersection(s) the sign refers to and may cover multiple locations if indicated. Drivers must not reverse direction using a U-turn and should instead continue and use a safe, permitted route to turn around.

Ready to Master Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Rules?

After reviewing this complete list of Swedish road signs, deepen your understanding by exploring signs by category or practicing with simulated test questions. Solidify your recognition skills and ensure you are fully prepared for every aspect of the official driving theory exam.

All Swedish Road Signs List
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Dive into Swedish road sign knowledge

Swedish Moped Theory AM courseSwedish Driving Theory B courseSIG1 Red Signal Swedish road signSwedish Motorcycle Theory A courseSIG3 Green Signal Swedish road signSIG4 Amber Signal Swedish road signSymbols (S) Swedish road sign categorySIG8 S Signal (Stop) Swedish road signSIG2 Red and Amber Signal Swedish road signWarning Signs (A) Swedish road sign categoryRoad Markings (M) Swedish road sign categorySIG5 Flashing Amber Signal Swedish road signMandatory Signs (D) Swedish road sign categoryTraffic Signals (L) Swedish road sign categorySIG12 Red Cross (Lane Closed) Swedish road signSIG14 Green Arrow (Lane Open) Swedish road signInformation Signs (J) Swedish road sign categoryDirectional Signs (E) Swedish road sign categoryProhibitory Signs (C) Swedish road sign categoryLocalisation Signs (F) Swedish road sign categoryOther Road Devices (X) Swedish road sign categorySIG16 Red Flashing Light (Stop) Swedish road signSIG15 Red Flashing Light (Stop) Swedish road signSupplementary Plates (T) Swedish road sign categorySIG11 Horizontal Bar Signal (Stop) Swedish road signSIG13 Amber Arrow(s) (Change Lane) Swedish road signSIG10 Vertical Bar Signal (Proceed) Swedish road signSIG17 Steady Red Light (Road Closed) Swedish road signYield and Priority Signs (B) Swedish road sign categorySIG6 Red Acoustic Signal (Slow Pulse) Swedish road signSignals by Police Officer (P) Swedish road sign categorySIG7 Green Acoustic Signal (Fast Pulse) Swedish road signSIG9 S with Horizontal Bar (Prepare for Go) Swedish road signSIG18 Flashing Amber Light (Partial Closure or Reinforced Instruction) Swedish road sign