RoadworksSweden

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.


18. Roadworks

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road. They may temporarily change the road layout, lane widths, speed limits, priority, permitted directions and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.

Drivers must follow the temporary signs, traffic lights, barriers, road markings and instructions from authorised personnel. They should reduce speed, increase their following distance and remain prepared for narrow lanes, stopped traffic, workers, machinery and sudden changes in the route.

Roadworks
Roadworks warning sign during maintenance of the Lysekil railway line. (Sweden)
Wikimedia.org • W.carter • CC BY-SA
What should you watch for when approaching roadworks in Sweden?

Look for temporary warnings, cones, barriers, narrow lanes and construction vehicles. Road layouts can change temporarily, including lane shifts, traffic-light control and short one-way sections. Expect workers and slow or stationary traffic near the worksite.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Traffic Ordinance chapter 2 sections 2-3, chapter 3 sections 14-15; Signs Ordinance A20-A21, temporary devices and guard signals

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

Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in Sweden?

Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Traffic Ordinance chapter 2 sections 2-3, chapter 3 sections 14-15; Signs Ordinance A20-A21, temporary devices and guard signals

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

What if only one lane remains open through roadworks in Sweden?

Follow the temporary signals, stop/go instructions, lane arrows and priority signs. Do not enter an opposing traffic lane until permitted, and give vulnerable road users and road workers extra room.

🔗 data.riksdagen.se • Sweden: Traffic Ordinance chapter 2 sections 2-3, chapter 3 sections 14-15; Signs Ordinance A20-A21, temporary devices and guard signals

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

Warning for roadworks. Warning for roadworks.

English • Traffic sign A20 • Roadworks. Indicates a section where roadworks or similar work is in progress.

Svenska • Vägmärke A20 • Varning för vägarbete. Märket anger en vägsträcka där vägarbete eller liknande arbete pågår.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transportstyrelsen.se • Transportstyrelsen • A20 (SV)

SVG source: Government of Sweden • Public domain • Original revision 2018-07-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

1 Sweden 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Built-up area 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Shared-use path 8 Toll road 9 Quay 10 Slope 11 Bus stop 12 Stop sign 13 Give way 14 Roundabout 15 Pedestrian crossing 16 Railway crossing 17 Crossing animals 18 Roadworks 19 Height limit 20 Selective barriers 21 Traffic lights 22 Pedestrian lights 23 Traffic mirror 24 Cycling route 25 Parking 26 No parking 27 No stopping 28 Reversing 29 Licence plate 30 Charging station 31 Dangers 32 Bus 33 Police 34 Ambulance 35 European emission standard 36 Pothole 37 Path 38 Particulates 39 Air pollution 40 Rush hour 41 Road code 42 2+1 Road 43 2-1 Road 44 Street gutter 45 Cargo bike 46 Forestry vehicle 47 Construction vehicle 48 Semi-trailer truck 49 Trolleybus 50 Speed pedelec 51 Delivery vehicle 52 Idling 53 Tow truck 54 Four-wheel drive 55 Bicycle 56 Motorcycle equipment 57 Rail track 58 Caravan 59 Trailer 60 Tow hitch 61 Fire truck 62 Siren 63 Convoy 64 Emergency vehicle lighting 65 Agricultural machinery 66 Electric bicycle 67 Electric vehicle 68 Pedelec 69 Quadricycle 70 Microcar 71 All-terrain vehicle 72 Van 73 Recreational vehicle 74 Scooter 75 Trikke 76 Personal mobility device 77 Skateboard 78 Segway 79 Kick scooter 80 Roller skates 81 Mailman 82 Hitchhiker 83 Toddler 84 Child 85 Disability 86 Motorail 87 km/h 88 mph 89 Speedometer 90 Ride height 91 Dirt road 92 Driving 93 Start-stop system 94 Manual transmission 95 Automatic transmission 96 Throttle 97 Tachometer 98 Steering wheel 99 Power steering 100 Visual scanning ...