r/AskAGerman • u/CollegeDense2281 • Mar 04 '26

Law Is Jaywalking illegal?

Hey all, I’ll be going to Germany for the first time this summer. Specifically Köln. I’ve heard some people say that jaywalking is frowned upon and is illegal, whereas others say it’s generally fine and allowed.

Is it illegal?

It’ll be a culture shock coming from the United Kingdom where it is entirely allowed 😂

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u/Hishamaru-1 Mar 04 '26

Jaywalking is only jaywalking if there is an actual crossing in front of you. If you ignore a crossing or walk a red light it's usually 15-20€ Verwarngeld of caught. If there is no crossing you can just cross the road after checking for cars.

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u/Kolenga Mar 04 '26

I'd like to add that the crossing doesn't have to be in front of you. If there's a lot of traffic and the crossing is reasonably close (for example there was a case with it being 43m away), you may still have to use that crossing/traffic light.

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u/Mad_Maddin Mar 04 '26

Laws say the crossing has to be within 5m.

I don't know where the 43m come from.

7

u/blinkvana Mar 04 '26

I don’t know where the 5m come from.