Diversion sign: what it means
A temporary diversion route starts here. The arrow shows that the route goes to the right.
What does the diversion sign mean?
This sign marks the start of a temporary diversion route. In this example, the arrow points right, showing the direction to follow.
Know your traffic signs explains that temporary diversion signs may be needed when a road closes for reasons other than an emergency, such as road works. Follow the direction shown to take the signed diversion.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- A temporary diversion route starts here.
- All traffic goes in the direction of the arrow.
- A dead end for vehicles.
Show answer
A. A temporary diversion route starts here. This sign marks the start of a temporary diversion route to the right (DfT traffic sign image details). Source: Know your traffic signs: direction signs on all-purpose roads, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images: image details (spreadsheet), Department for Transport, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
At the start of a temporary diversion route, with the route heading right in this example.
What should you do?
Follow the arrow to take the diversion route to the right.
What do people get wrong?
Do not confuse this with the end of a diversion. This sign marks the start of the route.
Common questions
What does the arrow on a diversion sign mean?
It shows the direction of the diversion. The DfT image description identifies this example as the start of a temporary diversion route to the right.
Are diversion signs only used in emergencies?
No. Know your traffic signs says temporary diversion signs may also be needed when a road closes for works.
Compare with
Emergency diversion route symbolThe symbol marks an emergency diversion route.
One-way traffic signAll traffic goes in the direction of the arrow.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (direction signs on all-purpose roads) and the Department for Transport’s image details list.
- Know your traffic signs: direction signs on all-purpose roads, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images: image details (spreadsheet), Department for Transport, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.