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Diversion direction sign
Diversion direction sign or
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When you see the Zeichen
Move into the lane indicated by the arrow in good time and follow the signposted route if you want to use the section affected by the diversion or reach the stated destination. At the following junctions, look out for more yellow diversion direction signs until you are guided back onto the regular route.
Rules
- Zeichen 454 indicates the direction of travel for a temporarily established diversion.
- The black arrow shows which direction the diversion continues at the respective junction.
- The sign alone does not close the previous direction of travel; a closure is ordered by separate traffic signs or barrier equipment.
- If the diversion direction sign includes destination information, the indicated direction applies to the destinations named there.
- Mandatory directions of travel, Vorfahrt signs, traffic lights and other traffic rules continue to apply along the diversion.
Tips
- After the first sign, actively look for further yellow direction signs so that you do not accidentally leave the diversion.
- Move into the correct lane early, but only change lanes after checking your mirrors, signalling and performing a shoulder check.
- When following a diversion around roadworks, do not rely solely on your navigation device, as its map data may not yet include the current closure.
- Pay particular attention to small follow-up signs positioned to the side or at junctions and side roads.
Common misunderstandings
- The diversion direction sign is confused with an Autobahn or federal-road direction sign. However, its yellow design indicates a temporary diversion route, not a particular road category.
- Some learner drivers believe that the arrow prescribes a mandatory direction of travel for every road user. However, Zeichen 454 indicates the route of the diversion; mandatory directions of travel are ordered by other signs.
- A single sign is mistakenly understood to mark the end of the diversion. The diversion does not end until the subsequent signs indicate this or the regular route has been reached again.
Exam tip
Pay attention to the wording of the exam question: Zeichen 454 shows the route of a diversion, but on its own it neither orders a road closure nor prescribes a general direction of travel.
Did you know
Zeichen 454 is part of temporary direction signing and is typically used for roadworks, events or other temporary road closures. Its yellow background colour makes the deviation from the regular route easy to recognise.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to follow Zeichen 454?
You follow it if you want to continue along the signposted diversion or reach the affected destination. Whether you are still allowed to use the original route is determined by additional closure or prohibition signs.
Does Zeichen 454 end a speed limit?
No. The diversion direction sign does not cancel a speed restriction; existing route restrictions continue to apply until their legally defined end.
What is the difference between it and Zeichen 455.1?
Zeichen 454 indicates the route of a diversion with a direction. Zeichen 455.1, by contrast, identifies a numbered diversion, whose number is repeated on the subsequent signs.
Am I allowed to take a different route despite my navigation device's instructions?
Yes, the actual traffic regulation at the location takes precedence. If the navigation device directs you onto a closed road, you must observe the closure and should follow the signposted diversion.
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