Bypassing “Konter gates” on mountain roads: a false saving that can cost you dearly
In the mountainous regions of Germany, particularly in southern Bavaria, parts of Saxony, and near the Austrian border, you will find what are commonly referred to as “Konter gates” (German: Kontrollschranken or Schrankenanlagen).
These gates are not just simple metal barriers. They are legally protected control points used to regulate traffic, protect private or special-use roads, and enforce tolls or restrictions on heavy vehicles.
Some drivers – motivated by a desire to save money or to shorten their journey – try to bypass these gates by using gravel tracks or side farm roads. However, this behaviour constitutes a clear and potentially dangerous violation, with consequences ranging from fines and penalty points to criminal proceedings.
What are “Konter gates” and why do they exist?
Konter gates or control barriers are not standardized in their design, but they typically serve one or more of the following purposes:
Restricting access to certain times of day (e.g. allowing passage only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Banning heavy or over-height vehicles from sensitive roads
Charging a small road usage fee (Straßenbenutzungsgebühr) to fund maintenance
Protecting nature and landscapes in environmentally sensitive mountain or forest areas
These barrier systems are often equipped with:
Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems
Electronic warning and information signs
CCTV cameras in popular tourist regions and nature reserves
What counts as “illegal bypassing”?
Examples of unlawful bypassing of Konter gates include:
Driving on parallel gravel or dirt tracks or field paths to avoid passing the gate
Using farm access roads or cycle paths that are signposted with restrictions such as “Landwirtschaftlicher Verkehr frei” (agricultural traffic only)
Manually opening the gate or slipstreaming behind another vehicle to pass without paying or without authorisation
Using manipulated or unofficial navigation maps/apps designed to hide toll gates and barrier points
Even if there is no very prominent signage, ignoring or bypassing such gates is usually treated as a violation of traffic regulations or an infringement of private property or special usage rights.
What does German law say?
Depending on the circumstances, a combination of rules may apply:
Provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung – StVO), particularly § 1 (general rules of conduct in road traffic) and § 41 (road signs), and
§ 123 of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch – StGB) covering trespass (Hausfriedensbruch),
as well as other environmental and nature protection rules in sensitive areas.
Typical types of offences and possible penalties:
Illegally bypassing a Konter gate
Penalty: approx. €55–€100
Classification: direct traffic offence (administrative offence)
Using a protected private road without permission
Penalty: approx. €100–€150
Note: The owner may additionally file civil claims for damages or injunctive relief
Forcibly opening or damaging the gate (e.g. breaking a lock)
Penalty: fines of up to around €1,000
Note: Potential criminal charges for property damage (Sachbeschädigung) and/or trespass
Violating environmental protection rules or entering nature reserves by vehicle
Penalty: fines of up to €5,000 or more
Especially relevant in nature reserves and ecologically sensitive mountain regions
How are these violations detected?
Monitoring in these areas has become increasingly sophisticated and strict:
Number plate recognition cameras are now common in many mountain regions
Local municipalities often cooperate with private traffic or parking management companies
Reports from local residents or professional drivers are frequently used as supporting evidence
In some areas, on-foot patrols or off-road patrol vehicles of environmental police or mountain traffic units are deployed
Are local residents allowed to pass?
Yes. In many cases, local residents and authorised users enjoy special access rights. They may receive, for example:
Electronic access cards or transponders to open the gate
Passage permits (Durchfahrtsgenehmigung) issued annually or seasonally by the municipality or road authority
However, tourist vehicles and trucks are generally not allowed to pass these barriers unless they are covered by clearly documented exceptions or special permits.
Real-life examples
In the Berchtesgaden region, a tourist was fined €300 after using a dirt road to bypass a Konter gate leading to Lake Königssee.
In a border region towards Tyrol, a delivery truck driver was fined around €450 for passing through an environmental protection gate, despite a clearly visible sign reading “Nur Anwohner frei” (“residents only”).
How can you avoid getting fined?
Respect every barrier, even if it looks unattended or “unimportant”.
Do not rely solely on GPS or navigation apps – in legal terms, the actual road signs and barriers on site are decisive.
If in doubt, stop and ask local residents, the police or the local tourist information office.
Always stick to official, approved routes, even if they are slightly longer – the cost of a fine (and any follow-up costs) is usually much higher than the extra fuel or a small road fee.
Conclusion
Bypassing Konter gates on mountain roads is not a clever way to save money, but a clear legal violation that can cost drivers dearly, both financially and legally.
Between the joy of driving in nature and the desire to arrive quickly, always remember: Respecting the rules is the only way to cross the mountains safely and with your head held high.
ـ* The editorial team of this website aims to provide accurate and well-researched information by consulting multiple sources. However, errors may still occur or some information may be incomplete or not definitively confirmed. For this reason, the content of this article should be viewed as an initial reference only. For binding, case-specific information, you should always contact the relevant authorities or qualified legal advisors.
