Wrong-way drivingWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


47. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

No entry except cyclists. (Vaud, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Jean Housen • CC BY-SA
What is wrong-way driving?

Wrong-way driving means travelling against the legally permitted direction of traffic.

🔗 polizei.bayern.de • Bavarian Police, information and advice on wrong-way driving; German example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections C and E, entry and direction signs; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

Where can wrong-way driving occur?

It can occur on one-way streets, divided roads, motorways, slip roads, tunnels, car parks and temporary traffic arrangements.

🔗 polizei.bayern.de • Bavarian Police, information and advice on wrong-way driving; German example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections C and E, entry and direction signs; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

How can you recognise a prohibited direction?

Look for no-entry signs, one-way signs, mandatory-direction signs, lane arrows and road markings. Motorway exits may also have repeated signs or warning systems facing the wrong direction.

🔗 polizei.bayern.de • Bavarian Police, information and advice on wrong-way driving; German example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections C and E, entry and direction signs; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

What should you do when you see a wrong-way driver?

Reduce speed safely, increase your distance from other vehicles and avoid overtaking or abrupt lane changes. Follow local emergency guidance and contact the police as soon as you can do so safely. For example, Bavarian Police advise using the right-hand lane in Germany; do not transfer that lane choice automatically to countries with left-hand traffic.

🔗 polizei.bayern.de • Bavarian Police, information and advice on wrong-way driving; German example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections C and E, entry and direction signs; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

Should you attempt to stop the wrong-way driver?

No. Do not block, chase or turn after the vehicle. Protect yourself and allow trained emergency services to intervene.

🔗 polizei.bayern.de • Bavarian Police, information and advice on wrong-way driving; German example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections C and E, entry and direction signs; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 7 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

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