Intersection direction signSwitzerland

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.


45. Intersection direction sign

An intersection direction sign shows the destinations and routes available at an approaching or current intersection. Arrows, road numbers, symbols and place names help drivers choose the correct direction and, where indicated, the correct traffic lane.

The sign provides route guidance but does not normally establish priority, permission to turn or a speed limit. Drivers must still obey traffic lights, regulatory signs, lane arrows, road markings and local traffic rules.

Traffic sign with directions of the next crossroad. (Zernez, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of an intersection direction sign in Switzerland?

A junction direction sign identifies destinations, routes or directions at or ahead of the junction. It helps you choose a route; it does not by itself grant priority. Read any mandatory lane arrows, priority signs and traffic signals separately.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR articles 49-53; OCR articles 13-15,17; LCR article 27

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Does a junction direction sign decide which vehicle goes first in Switzerland?

No. Traffic signals, Stop or Give Way signs and the legally applicable priority rules determine who must yield. A diagram showing the road layout is not, by itself, a priority instruction.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR articles 49-53; OCR articles 13-15,17; LCR article 27

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

What should you do if you are in the wrong lane for a signed destination in Switzerland?

Continue in a legal and safe direction and find another route. Do not stop abruptly, reverse into a junction or cross a solid line to recover a missed turning. Obey any mandatory lane-direction arrows separately from destination advice.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR articles 49-53; OCR articles 13-15,17; LCR article 27

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

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 ...