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DetourSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. 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.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Switzerland

69. Detour

A detour, also called a diversion, is a temporary alternative route used when the normal road is closed, blocked or unavailable. Detours are commonly introduced during roadworks, accidents, public events, flooding or other disruptions. Drivers should follow the temporary direction signs carefully, reduce speed where necessary and expect unfamiliar roads, changed priorities or additional traffic along the alternative route.

Detour
Detour sign. (Cologny, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What is a detour?

A detour is an alternative route that directs traffic around a closed, blocked or restricted section of road.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section G, directions and temporary detours; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 25; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 259 and 263–274; national guidance example

Why are detours used?

Detours may be introduced because of roadworks, accidents, flooding, public events or other temporary obstructions that prevent normal use of the road.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section G, directions and temporary detours; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 25; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 259 and 263–274; national guidance example

What is the difference between a detour and a diversion?

Detour and diversion generally describe the same concept: an alternative route around a road that cannot be used normally. The preferred term varies between countries and languages.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section G, directions and temporary detours; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 25; international framework subject to national law

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 259 and 263–274; national guidance example

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...