Speed questions on the Swedish theory test come in two kinds. Some test facts: what is the limit here, and how long does this sign apply? Others test judgement: what is a safe speed in this situation? You need both. The legal limit tells you the maximum, and the speed adaptation rules tell you when the maximum is too fast.

The general speed limits

If no sign says otherwise, the Traffic Ordinance (Trafikförordningen 1998:1276) sets these limits:

  • Built-up areas (tättbebyggt område): 50 km/h (3 kap. 17 §). The municipality may set 30 or 40 km/h in a built-up area or part of one.
  • Outside built-up areas: 70 km/h, called bashastighet (3 kap. 17 §). Trafikverket may set 80, 90, 100 or 110 km/h on a road.
  • Motorways: 110 km/h (9 kap. 1 §). Trafikverket may set 120 km/h on a motorway.
  • Pedestrian streets (gågata) and pedestrian priority areas (gångfartsområde): walking pace (8 kap. 1 §).

The start and end of a built-up area are shown with signs E5, Tättbebyggt område and E6, Tättbebyggt område upphör. Sign E1 marks the start of a motorway.

How the C31 sign works

Sign C31, Hastighetsbegränsning (Vägmärkesförordningen 2007:90) prohibits driving faster than the speed shown. Key details:

  • It applies until another speed limit is shown, or until you reach C32 (end of a temporary limit), E7 (pedestrian street) or E9 (pedestrian priority area).
  • It does not have to be repeated after a junction if the same limit applies on the crossing road.
  • A C31 sign placed over a lane applies to that lane, and also to the hard shoulder next to it.

So the limit does not reset at every junction. If you turn onto a new road and see no sign, think about what the road and area tell you, and look for the next sign.

Two sign types give advice rather than a legal maximum:

  • E11, Rekommenderad lägre hastighet: a stretch or area where a lower speed than the legal maximum is suitable. The recommended speed is shown on the sign.
  • E13, Rekommenderad högsta hastighet: used only on variable signs, when conditions are temporarily such that a higher speed is not suitable. The speed shown is always lower than the legal limit.

A recommended speed is not a legal limit, but you are still bound by the speed adaptation rules below. If conditions are bad enough for the road authority to show E13, a much higher speed is unlikely to meet the legal standard.

Speed adaptation: the rule above the signs

3 kap. 14 § says that speed must be adapted to traffic safety. You must consider road, terrain, weather and visibility, the vehicle's condition and load, and traffic in general. Speed must never be higher than lets you keep control and stop within the distance you can see, and before any obstacle you can foresee.

3 kap. 15 § lists situations where you must keep a sufficiently low speed. Among them:

  • in built-up areas
  • when visibility is reduced by light or weather
  • at pedestrian crossings and places where pedestrians cross
  • where crossing traffic can appear
  • in sharp bends and at hill crests
  • when meeting on narrow roads and on slippery roads
  • when approaching a tram, bus or school transport that has stopped for passengers
  • when approaching children on or beside the road
  • where roadworks are in progress and when passing an accident site

The opposite also applies. Under 3 kap. 16 §, you may not drive unreasonably slowly without a valid reason, or brake suddenly in a way that hinders others.

Other vehicles have lower maximums

Some vehicles have their own maximum speed regardless of the road's limit. For example, a heavy lorry may not exceed 80 km/h (90 km/h on a motorway or motor traffic road), a tractor of type b 50 km/h, and a class I moped 45 km/h. Towing a trailer can also lower your own maximum. These limits explain why you meet slow vehicles on fast roads, and why you need patience before overtaking.

Speed on the driving test

Trafikverket says the examiner assesses how you adapt your speed during the drive in town and on rural roads. Both directions matter. Driving too fast for the situation is an obvious fault, but Trafikverket also notes that slowing down too much or using too low a gear in a roundabout can lead to a fail because it suggests poor planning.

Typical theory test traps

  • "No sign, so I can drive 90." Outside built-up areas the basic limit is 70 km/h unless a sign shows a higher limit.
  • "The limit ended at the junction." C31 continues until a new limit is shown, unless it is ended by C32, E7 or E9.
  • Recommended versus maximum. E11 and E13 are recommendations. C31 is a legal limit.
  • "Within the limit, so I am legal." 3 kap. 14 § and 15 § can require a lower speed than the sign.
  • Motorway default. It is 110 km/h. 120 km/h applies only where it has been decided and signed.

FAQ

What is the speed limit in Swedish towns?

The general limit in a built-up area is 50 km/h. Many towns have lower limits, often 30 or 40 km/h, shown with C31 signs. A C31 sign posted together with the E5 sign applies to the whole built-up area unless other signs say otherwise.

What is the highest speed limit in Sweden?

120 km/h, which Trafikverket may set on motorways. The default motorway limit is 110 km/h.

Can driving at the speed limit still be illegal?

The traffic rules require speed adapted to conditions, so driving at the posted limit can still break 3 kap. 14 § if, for example, you cannot stop within the distance you can see.

Speed questions mix signs, numbers and judgement. Körkort Hero lets you practise them in 16 languages, with explanations of which rule decides each answer.

<!-- seo-related:2026-05-22 -->

Continue with these closely related topics in the same language: