Junction layoutSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


51. Junction layout

A junction layout is a schematic representation of the layout of an upcoming intersection or junction. It can show how roads branch, cross or continue and may help drivers understand which direction to follow before reaching the intersection.

Crossroad-shape diagrams are commonly used on advance direction signs. Depending on the country's sign system, the diagram may also distinguish the main road, side roads, route numbers or destinations.

Priority road with an additional sign indicating the shape of the next crossroad. (Genolier, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What can a junction-layout diagram tell you in Switzerland?

The main-road-direction panel shows a main road changing direction at the junction, using a broad line for the main road. With a stop or give-way sign, it requires yielding to vehicles travelling on or leaving that main road. A destination diagram serves a different purpose.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 65(1), panel 5.09; OCR article 15

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Does a junction-layout picture itself give priority at a junction in Switzerland?

A supplementary diagram helps identify the course of the priority route, but its meaning depends on the accompanying priority sign and local rules. It does not cancel traffic signals or obligations to drive safely.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 65(1), panel 5.09; OCR article 15

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

Should the drawing be treated as an exact map of the junction in Switzerland?

No. A schematic diagram can omit islands, turning lanes, cycle facilities and minor road details. Slow down, check the actual road layout, and follow lane arrows, signs and signals when you reach the intersection.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR article 65(1), panel 5.09; OCR article 15

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...