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Diversion announcement
Diversion announcement
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When you see the Zeichen
Check which destination or prohibited direction of travel the announced diversion applies to. Move into the correct lane in good time and then follow the yellow diversion signs, without turning abruptly at the advance warning sign.
Rules
- Zeichen 457.1 gives advance warning of a diversion; it does not necessarily mark the immediate turning point.
- The route ahead is indicated in particular by diversion direction signs and signs showing the continuation of the diversion.
- The sign itself does not impose either a speed limit or a special Vorfahrt rule.
- Any additional prohibition signs, lane arrows or barriers must be obeyed independently of the diversion warning.
- The end of a signposted diversion may be marked by Zeichen 455.2.
Tips
- Read the destination, direction and any specified distance in good time.
- At every subsequent junction or interchange, look for the next yellow diversion sign.
- If a road is closed, do not blindly follow your sat-nav if it tries to direct you back onto the closed route.
- Only use your indicators for the actual lane change or turn, not merely when you see the advance warning sign.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with an exit sign or exit information board. However, it announces a diversion, not merely a regular exit.
- Learner drivers turn immediately at the sign, even though the specific turning point is only indicated by subsequent direction signs.
- An announced local diversion is confused with a numbered alternative route, which is primarily intended to relieve Autobahn traffic.
Exam tip
In theory-test questions, pay attention to the word "advance warning": Zeichen 457.1 does not automatically require you to turn immediately; instead, it prepares you for the diversion route signposted further ahead.
Did you know
Diversion signs are typically yellow; however, yellow alone does not automatically indicate a diversion, because regular direction signs on federal roads also have a yellow background.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to follow the announced diversion?
Zeichen 457.1 is initially a direction sign, not a standalone entry prohibition. However, if the route you were using is closed or continuing is prohibited by other signs, you must not continue there and must choose a permitted alternative route.
How can I recognise the continuation of the diversion?
The route is indicated by subsequent diversion direction signs or signs showing the continuation of the diversion. Therefore, pay particular attention at junctions and turn-offs to see whether another yellow diversion sign follows.
What is the difference between this and Zeichen 332 or 332.1?
Zeichen 332 and 332.1 give advance warning of a regular exit from an Autobahn or a Kraftfahrstraße, or from a similarly developed road. Zeichen 457.1, on the other hand, provides information about a temporarily established diversion.
Does the sign cancel an existing speed limit?
No, the diversion warning does not change the permitted maximum speed. The existing speed-limit signs and the general regulations continue to apply.
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