Driving Theory
Swedish Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

Learn the meaning of the C27 'No Overtaking' road sign and how to react safely.

C27 - No Overtaking Swedish road sign meaning

The C27 'No Overtaking' sign is a crucial prohibition sign that tells you that you must not overtake most motor vehicles on the road section where it is displayed. This restriction typically applies to cars, trucks, and buses, but usually allows overtaking of two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without sidecars. You'll often see this sign on stretches of road where overtaking would be dangerous due to narrowness, sharp bends, steep hills, or limited visibility, ensuring you maintain a safe distance and wait for a designated overtaking area.

Understanding the 'No Overtaking' (C27) Sign

Mastering the C27 'No Overtaking' road sign is crucial for your theory test revision and overall road safety in Sweden. This explanation clarifies its specific meaning and implications, helping you navigate traffic rules effectively and avoid dangerous situations.

Definition of C27

This sign prohibits overtaking other motor vehicles on the road section it applies to. The prohibition typically allows overtaking only of two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar. It is used where overtaking would be dangerous, such as on narrow roads, bends, hills, or areas with poor visibility. The restriction starts at the sign and continues as regulated until an end sign or another instruction changes the rule. Drivers must remain behind slower vehicles and wait for a permitted overtaking zone.

Meaning of C27

You must not overtake most motor vehicles, except specified two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without sidecar.

Allowed actions for C27

Stay behind the vehicle aheadMaintain a safe following distanceWait until the restriction ends or a legal passing zone appears

Prohibited actions for C27

Overtaking a car, truck, or bus in the restricted sectionCrossing into opposing lanes to passAccelerating to pass in a prohibited zone

C27 - No Overtaking road sign FAQ

Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C27 - No Overtaking 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 does the C27 'No Overtaking' sign specifically prohibit?

The C27 'No Overtaking' sign prohibits you from overtaking most motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and buses. You must stay behind these vehicles if they are travelling slower than you. The primary exception is usually two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a sidecar, which you may be allowed to overtake if safe to do so.

When does the C27 'No Overtaking' restriction end?

The prohibition indicated by the C27 sign starts where the sign is placed and continues until it is officially ended. This typically happens when you reach an 'End of Prohibition' sign (often a black and white diagonal strikethrough version of the prohibition sign) or when another traffic sign or rule modifies the restriction, such as the start of a designated overtaking zone.

Are there situations where overtaking is still allowed despite the C27 sign?

Yes, the C27 sign's prohibition is specific. While you cannot overtake cars, trucks, or buses, you are generally permitted to overtake certain slower vehicles like two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without sidecars, provided it is safe and does not involve crossing into oncoming traffic where visibility is poor. Always assess the situation carefully.

What are common mistakes learners make regarding the C27 'No Overtaking' sign in the theory test?

A common exam trap is assuming the C27 sign only applies if you can visually see oncoming traffic. However, the sign creates a legal prohibition regardless of immediate traffic conditions. Learners might also forget the specific exceptions, like being allowed to overtake certain motorcycles, or they might misinterpret when the restriction ends. Always understand the sign's precise meaning and its duration.

Can road markings also restrict overtaking even if the C27 sign is not present?

Absolutely. Road markings, such as solid white lines in your lane or continuous white lines separating traffic in opposite directions, also prohibit overtaking. The C27 sign adds a clear legal restriction, often reinforcing or extending the rules indicated by road markings, especially in areas where visibility is a concern.

C27 - No Overtaking road sign image

A clear reference image of the C27 - No Overtaking road sign used in Sweden.

C27 - No Overtaking road sign

Other names for the C27 - No Overtaking

The C27 - No Overtaking road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

Overtaking prohibitedNo passingDo not overtakePassing banned

Prohibitory Signs (C) road sign category

The C27 - No Overtaking road sign is part of the Prohibitory Signs (C) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Reinforce Your Understanding of Similar Road Signs

Comparing the C27 'No Overtaking' sign with similar prohibitory signs sharpens your recall and reduces errors for your theory test revision. Effective traffic sign comparison helps you quickly identify restrictions and ensure safer driving.

C1 - No Entry for Vehicles road sign

No Entry for Vehicles

The C1 'No Entry' sign means you cannot proceed this way with any vehicle.

Prohibitory Signs (C)C1
C10 - No Bicycles and Moped Class II road sign

No Bicycles and Moped Class II

What the C10 'No Bicycles and Moped Class II' sign means and how to react

Prohibitory Signs (C)C10
C11 - No Moped Class II road sign

No Moped Class II

What the 'No Moped Class II' (C11) road sign means and how to react

Prohibitory Signs (C)C11
C12 - No Animal-Drawn Vehicles road sign

No Animal-Drawn Vehicles

Understand the C12 'No Animal-Drawn Vehicles' Prohibition Sign

Prohibitory Signs (C)C12
C13 - No Off-Road Motor Vehicles and Off-Road Trailers road sign

No Off-Road Motor Vehicles and Off-Road Trailers

Understand the C13 sign: No Off-Road Motor Vehicles and Trailers Allowed

Prohibitory Signs (C)C13
C14 - No Horse Riding road sign

No Horse Riding

What Does the C14 'No Horse Riding' Sign Mean?

Prohibitory Signs (C)C14
C15 - No Pedestrians road sign

No Pedestrians

C15 'No Pedestrians' Sign: Understanding Road Safety Restrictions

Prohibitory Signs (C)C15
C16 - Maximum Vehicle Width road sign

Maximum Vehicle Width

Understand the C16 'Maximum Vehicle Width' traffic sign and what it means for your journey.

Prohibitory Signs (C)C16
Deepen your understanding through targeted theory modules and practical application exercises.

Connect visual signage with essential Swedish traffic rules by exploring our curated set of practice questions and detailed road safety explanations. These resources reinforce your ability to interpret complex road situations according to Transportstyrelsen standards.

Article

Swedish Accident Scene Bystander Guide

Discover what Swedish traffic law requires of you if you witness or come across a traffic accident. This guide explains how to stop safely, offer appropriate assistance using the L-ABC method, and what to report to emergency services. Knowing these procedures is vital for both your safety and legal compliance in Sweden.

Article

Swedish Accident Response for Passersby

When you encounter a traffic accident in Sweden, your immediate actions can be critical. This guide explains how to prioritise your own safety while fulfilling your legal duty to assist and report the incident. Learn the correct procedures for securing the scene, offering aid, and contacting emergency services like Polisen or the national emergency number 112, all essential knowledge for passing your driving theory test.

Practice set

Driver Emotions & Stress

Master Emotional Control for Safer Driving and a Confident Exam Pass.

Practice set

Pedestrians & Cyclists Signs

Master the rules for pedestrians and cyclists to drive safely and confidently.

Road sign

End of Turning Place

This sign marks the end of an area designated as a turning place. Beyond this point, the special status of the turning place no longer applies, and normal parking and traffic rules resume unless other signs indicate restrictions. The sign does not always need to be posted if it is already obvious where the turning place ends, such as at the end of markings or a change in road layout. Drivers should still avoid obstructing turning areas and check for any remaining parking restrictions nearby. Use the boundary to understand where the reserved maneuvering space stops.

Road sign

Reduce Speed (Traffic Behind Police Vehicle)

This signal is displayed from a police vehicle to instruct following traffic to slow down. It is often used when the police vehicle is approaching an incident, protecting road workers, or managing a temporary hazard ahead. The command applies to drivers behind the police vehicle, and you should reduce speed smoothly to match the situation. In darkness or reduced visibility, the signal may be clarified with a white or yellow light or reflective equipment returning white or yellow light.

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
CTA Decorative Squares

Dive into Swedish road sign knowledge

Swedish Moped Theory AM courseSwedish Driving Theory B courseC26 No U-Turn Swedish road signC35 No Parking Swedish road signC31 Speed Limit Swedish road signSwedish Motorcycle Theory A courseC7 No Heavy Trucks Swedish road signC14 No Horse Riding Swedish road signSymbols (S) Swedish road sign categoryC11 No Moped Class II Swedish road signC23 Maximum Axle Load Swedish road signC28 End of No Overtaking Swedish road signC16 Maximum Vehicle Width Swedish road signWarning Signs (A) Swedish road sign categoryRoad Markings (M) Swedish road sign categoryC17 Maximum Vehicle Height Swedish road signC22 Bearing Capacity Class Swedish road signMandatory Signs (D) Swedish road sign categoryTraffic Signals (L) Swedish road sign categoryInformation Signs (J) Swedish road sign categoryDirectional Signs (E) Swedish road sign categoryProhibitory Signs (C) Swedish road sign categoryC19 Minimum Following Distance Swedish road signC25 No Turning at Intersection Swedish road signLocalisation Signs (F) Swedish road sign categoryOther Road Devices (X) Swedish road sign categoryC34 Stop for the Stated Purpose Swedish road signC32 End of Temporary Speed Limit Swedish road signSupplementary Plates (T) Swedish road sign categoryC10 No Bicycles and Moped Class II Swedish road signC20 Maximum Gross Weight (Vehicle) Swedish road signC29 No Overtaking for Heavy Trucks Swedish road signC37 No Parking on Even-Numbered Days Swedish road signYield and Priority Signs (B) Swedish road sign categorySignals by Police Officer (P) Swedish road sign categoryC9 No Vehicles Carrying Dangerous Goods Swedish road signC3 No Motor Vehicles Except Moped Class II Swedish road signC4 No Motor Vehicles With More Than Two Wheels Swedish road signC13 No Off-Road Motor Vehicles and Off-Road Trailers Swedish road signC6 No Motor Vehicles With a Trailer (Specified Trailer Types) Swedish road sign