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DetourGermany

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

81. 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 sign with information on roadworks. (Gaiberg, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Radosław Drożdżewski • 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 Germany 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Tunnel 12 Bridge 13 Cycling street 14 Pedestrian zone 15 Toll road 16 Customs 17 One-way traffic 18 Quay 19 Slope 20 Bus lane 21 Bus stop 22 Dead end 23 Stop sign 24 Give way 25 Roundabout 26 Priority road 27 Road narrowing 28 Priority over oncoming traffic 29 Give way to oncoming traffic 30 Pedestrian crossing 31 Railway crossing 32 Mandatory direction 33 School area 34 Overtaking 35 Crossing animals 36 Slippery road 37 Rockfall 38 Aircraft 39 Curve 40 Chevron 41 Wrong-way driving 42 Roadworks 43 Crosswind 44 Height limit 45 Width limit 46 Length limit 47 Weight limit 48 Radar speed sign 49 Selective barriers 50 Low-emission zone 51 Intersection direction sign 52 Priority at the next junction 53 Traffic lights 54 Traffic lights warning 55 Pedestrian lights 56 Road markings 57 Junction layout 58 Bike box 59 Speed feedback 60 Driving licence 61 Location marker 62 Countdown markers 63 Traffic mirror 64 Emergency telephone 65 International border 66 Pedestrian underpass 67 Cycling route 68 End of restriction 69 Parking 70 No parking 71 No stopping 72 Parallel parking 73 Park and ride 74 Kiss and ride 75 Parking meter 76 Parking disc 77 Disabled parking 78 Traffic management 79 Reversing 80 Traffic jam 81 Detour 82 Uncontrolled crossroad 83 Road surface 84 Exit 85 Horse riding 86 Provisional licence 87 Hazardous cargo 88 Emergency exit 89 Runaway truck ramp 90 Oversize load 91 Cycle highway 92 Carsharing 93 City limit 94 Gantry 95 Distance board 96 Breakdown bay 97 Hiking 98 Pavement parking 99 Road church 100 Tourist attraction ...