In a recent ruling by the Federal Court (BGH), a significant decision was made regarding streets where traffic is allowed only in one direction. Typically, reversing is prohibited in such areas.
Related topics: Supermarket parking in Germany: The rule everyone should know
With their decision, the highest German civil judges overturned a previously issued ruling. The only permitted exceptions are immediate reverse parking maneuvers and exiting in reverse from a property onto the street.
The decision regarding one-way streets will now have to be taken into account by all drivers.
In the specific case, the driver wanted to free up space for a car exiting a parking spot so that they could park themselves afterward. To do this, the woman reversed for a few meters and collided with the man's car. He filed a lawsuit against her.
The Düsseldorf District Court largely proved that the man was right. On appeal, the Düsseldorf Regional Court rejected the claim. The Federal Court in Karlsruhe overturned this decision due to legal errors. The Düsseldorf Regional Court must review the case. Case number VI ZR 287/22.
On one-way streets, parking is allowed on both sides of the street unless there is a direct parking prohibition. It should be noted that parking is usually permitted only in the direction of traffic flow.
As a rule, cyclists are required to follow the prescribed direction of traffic on one-way streets
Although there are exceptions
If there is an additional sign beneath the one-way street sign featuring a bicycle and two arrows pointing in opposite directions, cyclists are also allowed to ride against the direction of the one-way street.
It is essential to adhere to the relevant instructions to ensure safe movement and compliance with regulations. Unlike many road situations, there is no general prohibition on overtaking on one-way streets.
Overtaking is permitted if there is sufficient space, and other road users are not put in danger. However, such a situation is unlikely as one-way streets are typically narrow.
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In a supermarket parking lot, turning around might not be as straightforward as it seems in Germany due to specific rules. Another instance where reversing might be necessary yet regulated is during boating, where certain restrictions apply to turning around in narrow waterways.
