Intersection direction signWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. 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.


57. Intersection direction sign

An intersection direction sign shows the destinations and routes available at an approaching or current intersection. Arrows, road numbers, symbols and place names help drivers choose the correct direction and, where indicated, the correct traffic lane.

The sign provides route guidance but does not normally establish priority, permission to turn or a speed limit. Drivers must still obey traffic lights, regulatory signs, lane arrows, road markings and local traffic rules.

Traffic sign with directions of the next crossroad. (Guttau, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Frank Vincentz • CC BY-SA
What is an intersection direction sign?

It is a sign that shows the destinations and routes available at an intersection.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 15–19; Annex 1, sections G and H; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 rijksoverheid.nl • Dutch Government, reading motorway location markers; Dutch example

What is an advance direction sign?

An advance direction sign is placed before an intersection so drivers can identify their route and choose the correct lane in good time.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 15–19; Annex 1, sections G and H; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 rijksoverheid.nl • Dutch Government, reading motorway location markers; Dutch example

Does the sign determine priority?

No. Priority is determined by traffic lights, priority signs and the applicable intersection rules.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 15–19; Annex 1, sections G and H; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 rijksoverheid.nl • Dutch Government, reading motorway location markers; Dutch example

Does it impose a speed limit?

No. Drivers must follow the applicable general, zonal, posted or vehicle-specific speed limit.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 15–19; Annex 1, sections G and H; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 rijksoverheid.nl • Dutch Government, reading motorway location markers; Dutch example

What should you do after missing the indicated turn?

Continue safely and find another legal route. Do not reverse, stop suddenly or cut across traffic lanes.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 15–19; Annex 1, sections G and H; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 rijksoverheid.nl • Dutch Government, reading motorway location markers; Dutch example

1 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...