Teorio
Speed limit
The prohibition applies to driving at a speed higher than the number of km/h indicated. The prohibition applies on the road section concerned until another speed limit is indicated by a) a new sign 362 “Speed limit” or b) sign 366 “Speed limit zone”, or until one of the following signs is installed: c) sign 364 “End of special speed limit” d) sign 540 “Gatetun” e) sign 548 “Gågate”. When the sign is used for temporary regulation, it may have a yellow background.
When you see the sign
You must have reduced your speed to no more than 40 km/h when passing the sign. Continue to drive at 40 km/h or below, and reduce your speed further if visibility, road conditions, traffic or other circumstances require it.
Rules
- The sign prohibits driving at a speed exceeding 40 km/h from the location where the sign is placed.
- The speed limit applies until a new sign 362 «Fartsgrense» or sign 366 «Fartsgrensesone» indicates a different limit.
- The speed limit also ends at sign 364 «Slutt på særskilt fartsgrense», sign 540 «Gatetun» or sign 548 «Gågate».
- An intersection alone does not cancel the posted speed limit on the road section in question.
- 40 km/h is the maximum permitted speed, not a speed you are always entitled or required to maintain.
Tips
- Release the accelerator and brake smoothly in good time so that your speed is down to 40 km/h before passing the sign.
- Keep an eye on the speedometer, especially downhill, where the car can easily gain speed without additional acceleration.
- Look out for schools, residential areas, pedestrians and cyclists, as 40 km/h limits are often used where the traffic environment requires a lower speed.
- Do not increase your speed after an intersection unless a new sign or other valid signage indicates a different speed limit.
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that you can wait until after passing the sign before starting to brake. Your speed must be no more than 40 km/h when you pass it.
- Interpreting 40 km/h as a recommended speed. The sign indicates a legally binding maximum speed.
- Thinking that the speed limit automatically ends at the next intersection. It does not on the road section in question.
Test yourself
Easy
What does this sign mean?
- AIt is recommended to drive at approximately 40 km/t.
- BIt is prohibited to drive faster than 40 km/t.
- CIt is prohibited to overtake beyond the sign.
- DVehicles designed for less than 40 km/t are prohibited.
Medium
You are approaching the sign at 55 km/t. The road is clear and dry. What do you do?
- AI reduce my speed to a maximum of 40 km/t before passing the sign.
- BI reduce my speed only if the conditions make 55 km/t unsafe.
- CI pass the sign at 55 km/t and brake shortly afterwards.
- DI maintain 55 km/t until the next junction and brake there.
Hard
A passenger car and a tractor designed for 35 km/t are approaching the sign. Which statement about the sign itself is correct?
- AThe sign prohibits both vehicles from passing, regardless of the speed they are travelling at.
- BThe sign prohibits the passenger car from passing, but allows the tractor to continue.
- CThe sign prohibits the tractor from passing, but allows the passenger car to continue.
- DThe sign does not prohibit either of them from passing, but prohibits speeds above 40 km/t.
Theory test tip
A common trap is an image showing a 40 km/h sign followed by an intersection with no new speed-limit signage. The 40 km/h limit still applies on the same road section; the intersection does not cancel it.
Did you know
40 km/h limits are often used in built-up areas where the general speed limit would otherwise be 50 km/h, for example near schools, residential areas and places with many pedestrians or cyclists.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 40 km/h speed limit start to apply?
It applies from the location of the sign. You must therefore have reduced your speed to no more than 40 km/h before passing the sign.
Can I always drive at 40 km/h when this sign is posted?
No. You must drive more slowly if road conditions, visibility, traffic or other circumstances make 40 km/h unsafe.
Does the 40 km/h limit end at the next intersection?
No, not on the road section in question simply because you pass an intersection. The limit applies until it is changed or ended by a relevant sign.
Which signs can end the 40 km/h limit?
It can be changed or ended by a new speed-limit sign, a speed-limit-zone sign or sign 364 «Slutt på særskilt fartsgrense». It also ends where signs for «Gatetun» or «Gågate» have been installed.
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Other signs in the same category
No entry
Prohibited for all vehicles
Prohibited for motor vehicles except small electric motor vehicles
Prohibited for small electric motor vehicles
Prohibited for all tractors and motorised equipment designed for a speed of less than 40 km/h
Prohibited for motorcycles and mopeds
Prohibited for lorries and tractor units
Prohibited for cyclists and drivers of small electric motor vehicles