Detour
The sign indicates a detour route
When You See This Sign
When you see F15, follow the arrows and continue along the marked diversion route until subsequent signs indicate you are back on the original road. Adjust your speed, obey supplementary signs and respect any barricades and traffic personnel.
Rules & Regulations
- The F15 sign (Diversion) indicates a temporary diversion route that must be followed when the normal road is closed or restricted.
- Diversion signs are usually yellow (temporary signs) and show arrows, possible numbers or symbols; follow the sequence of diversion signs that leads back to the normal route.
- The diversion does not change general traffic rules — you must still observe right-of-way, stop signs, speed limits and other applicable regulations along the diversion.
- It is prohibited to drive past barricades or to break the diversion to use the original road if it is closed; this can be dangerous and may lead to liability or fines.
Tips for Drivers
- Reduce your speed and be extra alert — diversion routes can be narrower, have temporary surfaces or new traffic patterns.
- Trust diversion signs more than your GPS when roads are closed; navigation systems do not always update in real time for temporary works.
- Follow the entire sign sequence (arrows, distance indications or color/number markings) so you do not end up on the wrong road or have to turn around later.
- Pay attention to supplementary instructions from road workers or temporary traffic signals and avoid unnecessary lane changes during the diversion.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that the diversion gives priority over other traffic rules — it only indicates the route, not the right to drive ahead of other vehicles.
- Ignoring the diversion sign because the road "looks clear" or because your GPS suggests a different route.
- Mistaking the yellow temporary sign for a permanent road sign and thus reacting incorrectly.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Detour
How should you act when you see this sign?
- A Follow the indicated detour route because the regular road is closed or impassable.
- B Park only in designated places along the road.
- C Reduce your speed to the recommended speed on the sign.
- D Continue as usual — the sign is only an informational sign for pedestrians.
Exam Tip
On the theory test, a tricky question may concern whether a diversion changes right-of-way rules — the correct answer is that it does not; the diversion only shows which way you should drive, but fundamental traffic rules still apply.
Did You Know?
Diversion signs in Sweden are used as temporary yellow signs to distinguish them from permanent signs; F15 is part of the system of temporary instructions for roadworks and large events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to follow a diversion sign?
Yes, you should follow the indicated diversion route when it applies. Breaking a diversion can be dangerous and can lead to fines or liability if you drive onto a closed road.
Does the diversion change who has priority at an intersection?
No, the diversion sign itself does not change priority rules. However, if there are temporary give-way or stop signs along the diversion you must follow them.
What do I do if I miss a diversion sign and have already driven past it?
Drive on calmly and follow the next instruction in the diversion system or turn around where it is permitted and safe. Do not attempt to reverse or drive against barricades.
Practice more in the app
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