Driving Reverse in One-Way Streets Banned, Courts Say
In a recent ruling by Germany's Federal Supreme Court (BGH), it's been established that reversing in one-way streets against the flow of traffic is prohibited. Only direct reversing, like parking maneuvers or exiting a property onto the street, is permitted.
The case in question involved a female driver who attempted to reverse a few meters to let another car exit a parking spot. Unfortunately, she hit a man's vehicle. The man took her to court, and while the Düsseldorf District Court found in his favor, the Düsseldorf Regional Court dismissed his claim on appeal.
However, the BGH in Karlsruhe has now overturned that ruling due to legal errors. The case will now be heard again at the regional court (Ref. VI ZR 287/22).
With numerous traffic accidents in one-way streets leading to lengthy legal battles and verdicts, the recent overturning of the Düsseldorf Regional Court's decision by the BGH necessitates the court to reconsider the case involving the female driver and the collision.
General traffic regulations for driving in Germany can be found in various documents such as AEA Regulation 190-1, which covers U.S. Forces traffic code for installations in Germany. For detailed information on reversing in one-way streets, you would need to refer to specific German traffic ordinances or regulations provided by the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) or local traffic authorities. Additional guidance tailored for foreign drivers can be found in official German traffic regulations or driving guides.
[1] AEA Regulation 190-1 [4] Official German traffic regulations or driving guides for foreign drivers
