In Germany, a sudden lane change at an Autobahn exit at the last second is considered a serious traffic offence and may lead to clear financial and legal consequences.

Why is this behaviour dangerous?

• Unexpected for other vehicles: It can cause confusion, hard braking, or even rollovers for vehicles approaching from behind.

• Violation of safety rules – § 7 StVO: You must ensure the lane is clear and signal before changing lanes (bussgeldkatalog.net).

• A judge in Freiburg discussed dangerous manoeuvres when switching directly from the merging lane to the left lane, considering it a serious threat that could justify licence withdrawal.

Expected penalties and fines

In the worst cases—such as causing an accident or damaging vehicles—it may be treated as a criminal offence (endangering traffic, § 315c StGB), leading to heavy fines or temporary licence suspension (xn--fachanwaltfrverkehrsrecht-pwc.com).

How to avoid the offence

• Change lanes gradually, not at the last moment—plan ahead and don’t rush.

• Signal 3–5 seconds in advance, and only change lanes after checking mirrors and doing a shoulder check.

• If you miss the correct lane before the exit, take the next exit—better than risking danger.

• If you find yourself at the last second, reduce speed, not your lane position abruptly.

Conclusion
A sudden lane change on the Autobahn can cost you 30–80 €, one point, and possibly your licence if damage occurs or the behaviour is deemed dangerous. German law puts safety first: get into the correct lane early—and don’t gamble with the last second.

— The site’s writers and editors aim to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, mistakes or unconfirmed details may occur. Please treat this as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.