Driving the wrong way in a roundabout (Kreisverkehr) in Germany: a serious offence that endangers your life and others’
Roundabouts (Kreisverkehr) have become an integral part of Germany’s road network. They help reduce congestion and lower the risk of severe intersection crashes.
However, driving against the permitted direction in a roundabout is one of the most dangerous traffic violations a driver can commit. It is not only a clear breach of traffic rules, but a direct threat to public safety.
According to § 8a StVO, traffic inside a German roundabout must:
follow right-hand traffic,
move clockwise through the circle,
enter and exit to the right,
obey the mandatory direction signs (blue circular sign with a white arrow).
Entering a roundabout in the opposite direction is considered wrong-way driving (Falschfahren) and is treated like driving against the flow of traffic, commonly known as Geisterfahrer (ghost driver).
All other vehicles expect one uniform direction of travel. A vehicle driving the wrong way startles and confuses other drivers.
The risk of a head-on collision is extremely high due to the limited space and short reaction distances in a roundabout.
Roundabouts are often located in built-up areas, near schools, shopping centres and residential zones, where pedestrians and cyclists are present.
| Type of violation | Fine | Points | Licence consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering the roundabout in the wrong direction, no crash | €75–130 | 1 point | no ban, but negative entry in the record |
| Driving inside the roundabout the wrong way, causing danger or confusion | €160–200 | 2 points | possible temporary driving ban |
| Causing an accident due to wrong-way driving in a roundabout | €240–320 | 2 points | temporary withdrawal of the licence |
| Repeated behaviour or aggressive ghost driving | criminal charge | up to 3 points | licence withdrawal + re-test required |
In many large or sensitive roundabouts – for example near schools or high-risk junctions – authorities install:
traffic surveillance cameras (Verkehrsüberwachung),
which record the entry direction and path taken,
and provide evidence for fine proceedings.
Police also carry out targeted checks in areas known for frequent wrong-way incidents, especially involving novice drivers or tourists.
In German law, “I didn’t know” is generally not an excuse, especially when:
the direction of travel is clearly marked with standard traffic signs,
lane arrows on the ground indicate the correct route,
the roundabout lies within a typical urban area with standardised signage.
Even tourists driving with a foreign licence remain fully responsible if they drive the wrong way.
Stop immediately in a safe place if possible (e.g. at the edge of the circle).
Do not continue driving against the traffic under any circumstances.
Switch on your hazard warning lights (Warnblinker).
If necessary, call the police or ask for assistance.
Avoid risky reversing or turning manoeuvres – let the authorities help resolve the situation safely.
Driving against the flow inside a roundabout in Germany is not a minor error, but a serious traffic offence that can result in heavy fines, penalty points and even loss of your driving licence.
A roundabout is designed to make traffic safer and smoother, not to become a stage for chaos.
Follow the arrow, respect the direction – a single moment of wrong-way driving can cost you your licence, a life, or both.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete details may still occur. Please regard the information in this article as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date legal information.
