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Mandatory signsSweden

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Sweden. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

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Sweden
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Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.

Mandatory roundabout direction. Pass obstacle on the left. Pass obstacle on either side. Pass obstacle on the right. Mandatory left. Mandatory path for pedestrians. Mandatory path for cyclists. Mandatory path for equestrians. Mandatory path for snowmobiles. Mandatory lane for buses. End of mandatory bus lane. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.
How are compulsory instructions shown in Sweden?

D signs prescribe obligations such as a direction or designated route.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Signs Ordinance D1 and compulsory-sign group; Traffic Ordinance chapter 3 sections 60-61

🔗 riksdagen.se • Sweden: Road Signs Ordinance 2007:90

What does a mandatory-direction sign require in Sweden?

Where a compulsory-direction sign is installed in Sweden, follow only the arrow direction or permitted combination of directions. The restriction applies at the location or movement it regulates; it is not an instruction to ignore other traffic controls.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Signs Ordinance D1 and compulsory-sign group; Traffic Ordinance chapter 3 sections 60-61

🔗 riksdagen.se • Sweden: Road Signs Ordinance 2007:90

Does a mandatory-direction sign give me priority over pedestrians in Sweden?

No. The arrow prescribes direction. At an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, give way to pedestrians already crossing or about to enter. Signal-controlled crossings have their own rules; when turning, check pedestrians and cyclists before completing the manoeuvre.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Signs Ordinance D1 and compulsory-sign group; Traffic Ordinance chapter 3 sections 60-61

🔗 riksdagen.se • Sweden: Road Signs Ordinance 2007:90

1. Mandatory roundabout direction

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

Mandatory roundabout direction.

English • Traffic sign D3 • Roundabout.

Svenska • Vägmärke D3 • Cirkulationsplats.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D3 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Pass obstacle on the left

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the left.

English • Traffic sign D2 • Compulsory carriageway. Vehicles may pass the sign only where the arrow indicates or, with two arrows, where either indicates. The symbol is adapted to local conditions.

Svenska • Vägmärke D2 • Påbjuden körbana. Märkena anger att fordon endast får föras förbi märket där pilen visar eller, där två pilar finns, där pilarna visar. Symbolen är anpassad efter förhållandena på platsen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D2 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Pass obstacle on either side

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on either the left or the right. Use either permitted side while following the road layout and any accompanying signs or markings.

Pass obstacle on either side.

English • Traffic sign D2 • Compulsory carriageway. Vehicles may pass the sign only where the arrow indicates or, with two arrows, where either indicates. The symbol is adapted to local conditions.

Svenska • Vägmärke D2 • Påbjuden körbana. Märkena anger att fordon endast får föras förbi märket där pilen visar eller, där två pilar finns, där pilarna visar. Symbolen är anpassad efter förhållandena på platsen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D2 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

Pass obstacle on the right.

English • Traffic sign D2 • Compulsory carriageway. Vehicles may pass the sign only where the arrow indicates or, with two arrows, where either indicates. The symbol is adapted to local conditions.

Svenska • Vägmärke D2 • Påbjuden körbana. Märkena anger att fordon endast får föras förbi märket där pilen visar eller, där två pilar finns, där pilarna visar. Symbolen är anpassad efter förhållandena på platsen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D2 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Mandatory left

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the left. Traffic must proceed to the left at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the right.

Mandatory left.

English • Traffic sign D1 • Compulsory direction. Vehicles may travel only in the arrow's direction or, with two arrows, either arrow's direction. The symbol is adapted to local conditions.

Svenska • Vägmärke D1 • Påbjuden körriktning. Märket anger att fordon endast får föras i pilens eller, där två pilar finns, i endera pilens riktning. Symbolen är anpassad efter förhållandena på platsen.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D1 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a mandatory path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the designated path, while other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for pedestrians.

English • Traffic sign D5 • Compulsory footpath. Indicates a path intended only for pedestrians.

Svenska • Vägmärke D5 • Påbjuden gångbana. Märket anger bana avsedd endast för gående.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D5 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for cyclists.

English • Traffic sign D4 • Compulsory cycle path. A supplementary plate indicates if class II mopeds are prohibited from using it.

Svenska • Vägmärke D4 • Påbjuden cykelbana. Om moped klass II inte får föras på banan anges det på en tilläggstavla.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D4 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for equestrians. Equestrians must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory path for equestrians.

English • Traffic sign D8 • Compulsory bridleway. Pedestrians are also permitted.

Svenska • Vägmärke D8 • Påbjuden ridväg. Märket anger även att gångtrafik är tillåten.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D8 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Mandatory path for snowmobiles

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for snowmobiles. Snowmobiles must use the designated path or track where required. Other road users may use it only where specifically permitted.

Mandatory path for snowmobiles.

English • Traffic sign D9 • Compulsory route for off-road motor vehicles and off-road trailers. Pedestrians are also permitted.

Svenska • Vägmärke D9 • Påbjuden led för terrängmotorfordon och terrängsläp. Märket anger även att gångtrafik är tillåten.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D9 (SV)

SVG source: Swedish Transport Administration (Transportstyrelsen) • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Mandatory lane for buses

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for buses. Buses must use the designated lane where the sign applies. Other road users may use the lane only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory lane for buses.

English • Traffic sign D10 • Compulsory lane or carriageway for scheduled services and certain other vehicles. Vehicles specified in chapter 8, section 2 of the Traffic Ordinance (1998:1276) may also use it unless a supplementary plate states otherwise. A supplementary plate indicates any other permitted vehicles.

Svenska • Vägmärke D10 • Påbjudet körfält eller körbana för fordon i linjetrafik med flera. Märket anger även att fordon som anges i 8 kap. 2 § trafikförordningen (1998:1276) får använda körfältet eller körbanan, om inte annat anges på en tilläggstavla. Om andra fordon tillåts trafikera körfältet eller körbanan anges det på en tilläggstavla.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D10 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. End of mandatory bus lane

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory lane for buses. The requirement associated with the bus lane ends at this point. Continue according to the lane markings, other traffic signs and applicable local rules.

End of mandatory bus lane.

English • Traffic sign D11 • End of compulsory path, lane, road or route. Ends a requirement indicated by signs D4–D10. Need not be placed where the end is otherwise clear. Other road-user or vehicle symbols may be incorporated; the symbol matches that used on the sign marking the route.

Svenska • Vägmärke D11 • Slut på påbjuden bana, körfält, väg eller led. Märket anger att påbjuden bana, körfält, väg eller led som märkts ut med något av märkena D4-D10 upphör. Märket behöver inte sättas upp om det ändå tydligt framgår att påbudet upphör. Andra symboler för trafikantgrupper eller fordonsslag kan vara infogade i märket. Den symbol som är infogad i märket är samma som på det märke som använts för att märka ut banan, körfältet, vägen eller leden.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D11 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign D6 • Compulsory pedestrian and cycle path. Indicates a shared path. A supplementary plate indicates if class II mopeds are prohibited.

Svenska • Vägmärke D6 • Påbjuden gång- och cykelbana. Märket anger gemensam bana för gående och cyklande. Om moped klass II inte får föras på banan anges det på en tilläggstavla.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D6 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign D7 • Compulsory separate pedestrian and cycle paths. Markings, a dividing strip or similar feature separate the pedestrian and cycle parts. The symbol positions show which part each group must use. A supplementary plate indicates if class II mopeds are prohibited.

Svenska • Vägmärke D7 • Påbjudna gång- och cykelbanor. Märket anger banor som är delade genom vägmarkering, skiljeremsa eller liknande i en del för gående och en del för cyklande. Symbolernas placering på märket anger vilken del av banan som är avsedd för gående respektive cyklande. Om moped klass II inte får föras på banan anges det på en tilläggstavla.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D7 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign D7 • Compulsory separate pedestrian and cycle paths. Markings, a dividing strip or similar feature separate the pedestrian and cycle parts. The symbol positions show which part each group must use. A supplementary plate indicates if class II mopeds are prohibited.

Svenska • Vägmärke D7 • Påbjudna gång- och cykelbanor. Märket anger banor som är delade genom vägmarkering, skiljeremsa eller liknande i en del för gående och en del för cyklande. Symbolernas placering på märket anger vilken del av banan som är avsedd för gående respektive cyklande. Om moped klass II inte får föras på banan anges det på en tilläggstavla.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • D7 (SV)

SVG source: Transportstyrelsen • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.