Wait at the red light, even on foot
Rote Ampel
Pedestrians who cross at a red light can be fined, and Germans really do wait, even on an empty street.
The rule
Pedestrians must wait at a red pedestrian light. It does not matter whether a car is coming.
Especially near children, Germans wait: crossing at red sets a bad example, and people will tell you so.
At a zebra crossing (Zebrastreifen) without lights, cars must stop for you. Make it clear that you want to cross.
If you cause an accident by crossing at red, you can be liable for the damage.
What it costs
| If you… | Fine or cost |
|---|---|
| Crossing at a red light | €5 |
| … causing damage | €10, and you may have to pay for the damage |
India vs Germany
In India, you cross where there is a gap in the traffic. In Germany, people wait at red even at midnight, and crossing in front of children draws comments.
German words for this
- die Ampel · traffic light
- der Fußgänger · pedestrian
- der Zebrastreifen · zebra crossing
- warten · to wait
Official sources
Last checked: 8 November 2026, against the official sources named on each page. General information for learners, not legal advice: rules can change and some depend on your state or city. If something matters for you, check the official source or ask the office.
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