Ignoring the bike lane when turning right: accidents and fines

Ignoring the bike lane when turning right in Germany: a deadly offence with tough fines

In German cities, where car traffic and cycle paths intersect at almost every traffic light, turning right without paying attention to the bike lane (Radweg) is one of the most common causes of serious and fatal bicycle accidents. This mistake, although seemingly minor, can lead to severe injuries, criminal proceedings, and heavy fines.

Why is turning right so dangerous for cyclists?

When turning right, the car crosses the parallel cycle lane on the right-hand side. Cyclists are often in the driver’s blind spot (Toter Winkel). If the driver fails to check properly, they may:

Cut across the cyclist’s path without warning,
Collide with a cyclist who is riding completely legally,
Cause the rider to be thrown to the ground or even partly run over.

According to figures from the German Road Safety Council (DVR), around one quarter of fatal bicycle accidents in urban areas are linked to exactly this type of right-turn conflict.

What does the law say?

Under § 9 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), a driver turning right must:

Check the entire area to the right, especially the cycle path.
Give priority to cyclists approaching from behind or from the right.
Turn at walking speed (Schrittgeschwindigkeit) if cyclists are nearby.
Use the indicator clearly and in good time.

Failure to comply with these duties is a clear traffic offence, and the penalties are significantly increased if an accident or injury occurs.

What penalties can you expect?

Ignoring the bike lane when turning right, no accident:
Fine of about €70, 1 point in Flensburg, usually no driving ban.
Ignoring the lane with obstruction or concrete danger:
Fine of €100–150, 1–2 points, possible driving ban.
Causing an accident or injury to a cyclist:
Fine of €180–320, 2 points, driving ban of 1–3 months.
In case of death or gross negligence:
Criminal proceedings, possible prison sentence and a long-term or permanent withdrawal of the driving licence.

Is “I didn’t see the cyclist” a valid excuse?

In German traffic law, the phrase “I didn’t see the bike” is not an acceptable defence. Drivers are required to:

Check their side and rear-view mirrors properly,
Perform a shoulder check (Schulterblick) before turning,
Pay attention to bike bells, movement and quiet traffic around them.

Failing to do so is usually regarded as gross negligence, and does not remove legal responsibility.

Real court cases

In Hamburg, a truck driver failed to notice a cyclist while turning right and caused serious injuries. The court imposed a €2,500 fine and a three-month driving ban.
In Munich, a driver was convicted of criminal negligence after the death of a 15-year-old girl, caused by ignoring the cycle lane when turning right. He received a suspended prison sentence and a high financial penalty.

How can you avoid both danger and fines?

Always watch out for bike lane markings and Radweg signs on the road.
Slow down at every junction – if in doubt, reduce to walking speed.
If you are unsure whether a bike is coming: stop and wait.
Make sure your mirrors are clean and correctly adjusted to minimise the blind spot.

Conclusion

Turning right without checking the bike lane is not a minor mistake. In Germany, it is a well-documented everyday danger that leads to tragic human and legal consequences. The fine may start at €70, but the real cost can be a human life – and a lifelong burden of responsibility for the driver.

The editorial team of this website aims to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of several sources. However, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not definitively confirmed. Please treat the information in this article as an initial reference and always contact the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date guidance.