What is Turning (Abbiegen) in German Traffic Law?

In German traffic law, 'Abbiegen' (turning) describes the act of changing direction at an intersection or junction, whether to the left or right. This is a fundamental driving manoeuvre regulated by § 9 of the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO). The rules for turning are designed to ensure safety for all road users, particularly to prevent collisions with oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. Failing to follow these rules is a common cause of accidents and can lead to significant penalties, making it a critical topic for the German driving theory exam.

Correct Positioning and Signaling for Turning in Germany

Proper positioning and early signaling are crucial before executing a turn. According to StVO § 9 (1):

• For a right turn: Drivers must position their vehicle as far to the right as possible, close to the curb. This prevents other vehicles from trying to overtake on the right and provides a clear path for the turn.
• For a left turn: Drivers must position their vehicle towards the middle of the road. On one-way streets, the vehicle should be positioned as far to the left as possible. If there are tram tracks running longitudinally, drivers may only position themselves on them if no tram is obstructed.

In both cases, the turn signal (indicator) must be used clearly and well in advance to inform other road users of your intention. Before positioning and again before turning, drivers must pay close attention to following traffic and ensure no one is endangered.

Right-of-Way When Turning: Special Cases and Bending Priority

When turning, drivers must always prioritize safety and yield where required:

• Left turns: Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is continuing straight or turning right. This is a crucial rule for preventing head-on collisions at intersections. This also applies to cyclists approaching from the opposite direction.
• Pedestrians and cyclists: When turning right, drivers must yield to pedestrians and cyclists who are crossing the road they are turning into. This is a common point of conflict and a frequent topic in theory questions.
• Bending priority roads (Abknickende Vorfahrt): If the priority road (indicated by a diamond sign with a thick line) bends at an intersection, drivers following the bend of the priority road must still use their turn signal. While they technically remain on the priority road, the manoeuvre is akin to a turn, and signaling clarifies their intention to other drivers, particularly those who might be crossing or turning off the main priority route. This specific rule is explicitly mentioned in the StVO regarding the supplementary sign for bending priority roads.

Tangential vs. Non-Tangential Left Turns in Germany

Germany primarily uses the tangential left-turn method, often referred to as the 'American' method. This means that two vehicles approaching each other from opposite directions and both wishing to turn left will pass in front of each other while turning. This became the standard in Germany in 1992 and is generally mandatory under StVO § 9 (4).

The non-tangential left-turn, also known as the 'German' method, where vehicles turn around each other, is now only permitted and mandatory under exceptional circumstances. These exceptions apply when the specific design of the intersection or the current traffic situation makes tangential turning impossible or unsafe. Examples include significantly offset opposing roads, very wide road separations, or narrow openings that would create the impression of left-hand traffic if vehicles turned tangentially. In such cases, road markings or traffic islands might explicitly guide drivers to turn non-tangentially.

Cyclists and Turning: Specific Rules for Vulnerable Road Users

Cyclists have specific rules for turning, especially when turning left, which differ slightly from motor vehicles and are designed to enhance their safety:

• Direct turning: Cyclists can use the same turning lanes as motor vehicles, positioning themselves appropriately for a left or right turn.
• Indirect turning: At junctions with heavy traffic or complex layouts, cyclists may choose or be guided to turn indirectly. This involves cycling straight across the first part of the intersection, waiting in a designated area (like an advanced stop line or a waiting box on the side street), and then completing the turn when the traffic light or traffic situation allows them to proceed in the new direction.

Even where designated routes for indirect turning exist, direct turning remains permitted for cyclists, who may leave mandatory cycle paths for this purpose. Drivers of motor vehicles must be especially vigilant for cyclists' intentions when turning.

Common Turning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in the German Theory Test

Learners frequently lose points on turning-related questions in the German theory test due to common misunderstandings:

• Forgetting to signal: Always remember to signal early and clearly, even if no other traffic appears to be present.
• Incorrect positioning: Positioning too far from the curb for a right turn or not far enough to the left for a left turn can confuse other drivers and is unsafe.
• Failing to yield: A common mistake is not yielding to oncoming traffic when turning left, or to pedestrians and cyclists when turning right.
• Misunderstanding bending priority: Not signaling when following a bending priority road is a frequent error.
• Confusion over tangential vs. non-tangential left turns: Remember that tangential (passing in front of each other) is the standard in Germany unless specific road design dictates otherwise.

Mastering these nuances is key to passing your exam and driving safely in Germany.