The C38 Date Parking sign, also known as alternate-side parking, helps manage parking on narrow streets by alternating restrictions based on the date. On even-numbered dates, you cannot park on the side with even house numbers. On odd-numbered dates, parking is prohibited on the side with odd house numbers. This system ensures that streets remain accessible for essential services like snow removal or emergency vehicle access. Drivers must be vigilant about moving their vehicles before midnight to comply with the new day's rule.
This prohibitory sign (C38) demands careful attention as it dictates parking based on both calendar date and address number parity, crucial for avoiding fines and ensuring vehicle access in Sweden. Master this complex Swedish road sign meaning to excel in your driving theory test and maintain compliance in urban traffic.
This sign establishes a date-based parking scheme linked to the parity of address numbers along the street. On even-numbered calendar days, parking is prohibited on the side of the road with even house numbers, and on odd-numbered days, parking is prohibited on the side with odd house numbers. It is commonly used on narrow streets to ensure access for maintenance, snow clearing, or emergency services. The rule applies within the regulated area from the sign and requires drivers to choose the correct side based on the date. Drivers must regularly move their vehicles to remain compliant as the date changes.
On even-numbered dates you may not park on the side with even address numbers; on odd-numbered dates you may not park on the side with odd address numbers.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) 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.
The C38 sign indicates a date-based parking rule. On even dates, you cannot park on the side of the street with even house numbers. On odd dates, you cannot park on the side with odd house numbers. It's crucial to check the date and the house numbers to park correctly.
You need to look at two things: the current date and the house numbers on each side of the street. If it's an even date (e.g., the 14th), you must park on the side with odd house numbers. If it's an odd date (e.g., the 15th), you must park on the side with even house numbers.
A common trap is forgetting to move your car as the date changes at midnight. You might be parked legally on an odd date, but illegally if you remain there after midnight when it becomes an even date. Another mistake is not correctly identifying the even or odd sides based on house numbers.
The restriction changes at midnight when the date switches. For example, if you are parked on the odd-numbered side on the 15th (an odd date), and you do not move your vehicle before midnight, it will become an illegal parking spot on the 16th (an even date). Always plan ahead to move your vehicle before the change.
The C38 sign prohibits parking on the specified side for the entire duration of the date. Brief stops for loading or unloading may be permissible under general traffic rules, but leaving your vehicle unattended or parked for an extended period on the prohibited side is not allowed.
A clear reference image of the C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign used in Sweden.

The C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The C38 - Date Parking (Alternate-Side by Address Numbers) road sign is part of the Prohibitory Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing similar road signs, like this Date Parking sign (C38) with others, sharpens your sign recognition and boosts your theory test revision by highlighting key differences. Effective traffic sign comparison is crucial for accurate theory exam preparation.

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This sign indicates that parking is allowed on a parking area or on a stretch of road on the side where the sign is placed. When installed by a road, the permission starts at the sign and continues as specified on any additional plate. It helps drivers identify legal parking locations and avoid stopping where it would obstruct traffic or violate restrictions. Drivers must still follow any conditions shown on supplementary plates, such as time limits, vehicle types, or payment rules.
This marking is used to reinforce curbside restrictions shown by the no stopping and parking marking (M21) and the no parking marking (M22). It emphasizes that the restriction applies clearly along the section and should not be ignored. It is especially helpful where frequent violations occur or where the restriction is safety critical. Drivers should interpret it as an added clarity measure, not as a different type of rule.
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