A diverter is an island built at a residential street intersection that prevents certain through and/or turning movements. Diverters affect people living in the neighborhood more than any one else. Therefore, diverters should be considered only when less restrictive measures are not appropriate.

Four types of diverters are: diagonal, star, forced turn, and truncated. A diagonal diverter breaks up cut-through movements and forces right or left turns in certain directions. A star diverter consists of a star-shaped island placed at the intersection, which forces right turns from each approach. A truncated diagonal diverter is a diverter with one end open to allow additional turning movements. Other types of island diverters can be placed on one or more approach legs to prevent through and left-turn movements and force vehicles to turn right.

As with other traffic management tools, diverters must be used in conjunction with other traffic management tools within the neighborhood street network. Any of these diverters can be designed for bicycle and pedestrian access.