Direction of Detour
The sign indicates the direction for a detour
When You See This Sign
When you see F24 you should follow the indicated direction and follow the diverted route until another temporary instruction or the end of the diversion is shown. Reduce speed, position yourself correctly in good time, and follow supplementary guidance, barriers, and any instructions from traffic controllers.
Rules & Regulations
- The instruction on F24 is mandatory — you must follow the direction of the arrows and take the diverted route for as long as the diversion is in effect.
- F24 applies to the modes of traffic indicated by the arrows and remains in effect until another temporary instruction is given or a sign showing "end of diversion" is posted.
- If F24 requires a lane change or deviation, you should change lanes in good time and yield according to the temporary markings and signs that apply in the diversion.
- Police or traffic controllers may override the sign with verbal instructions; always follow the directions of a traffic controller or police officer even if they differ from F24.
Tips for Drivers
- Reduce your speed when approaching a diversion and follow the arrows calmly — diversions often involve narrower lanes and work vehicles.
- Signal well in advance and move safely into the correct lane well before the diversion requires it to avoid sudden evasive maneuvers.
- Read supplementary temporary signs and road markings carefully — F24 indicates direction, but other temporary signage may change priority or traffic rules.
- Be especially attentive to pedestrians and cyclists; the diversion's route may cross or direct them onto a different path, so adjust speed and distance.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that F24 is merely a recommendation and not mandatory — the arrows must be followed.
- Changing lanes too late or performing dangerous maneuvers to avoid the diversion instead of following the indicated route.
- Missing supplementary temporary signs and assuming the normal priority rules always apply without checking the temporary arrangements.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Direction of Detour
What is expected of you as a driver here?
- A You must follow the indicated direction of travel because it shows how the diversion goes.
- B You are not allowed to turn in any direction after the sign.
- C The sign applies only to pedestrians and cyclists.
- D It shows the location of a recommended rest area further ahead.
Exam Tip
In the theory test you may be asked whether F24 is a recommendation or mandatory — the correct answer is that it is mandatory and must be followed until the diversion ends or another temporary instruction is given. Remember that police or traffic controllers always take precedence over signs.
Did You Know?
F24 is part of the F series for temporary instructions and is mainly used at roadworks, accidents, and events where traffic is rerouted. The sign is often placed together with cones, barriers, and other temporary signs to clearly guide road users through a safe diversion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is F24 mandatory for all vehicles?
Yes, the instruction is mandatory for the modes of traffic to which the arrows apply unless a specific exemption marking exists. However, police or traffic controllers may give other instructions which you must then follow.
Does F24 change priority rules?
F24 only shows which direction you should follow. Priority is only changed if there are supplementary temporary priority signs or other instructions that explicitly alter priority within the diversion.
Does the diversion also apply to pedestrians and cyclists?
If the arrows and markings clearly include pedestrians or cyclists, the instruction also applies to them. Often there are separate diversions for vulnerable road users marked with their own signs.
What do I do if I accidentally miss the diversion?
Drive on calmly and find a safe place to turn or take the next suitable exit; do not perform dangerous maneuvers or sudden turns to get back onto the diverted route. Then follow the temporary instructions.
Practice more in the app
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