How big does a turning bay (Wendehammer) need to be?

Per RASt 06, the standard hammerhead turning bay for German residential development is approximately 21.5 × 13.0 m (outer edge). T-shape turning bays are about 18.0 × 12.0 m, and circular turning bays approximately 18.0 m in diameter. These dimensions accommodate both 2-axle garbage trucks and standard fire department tankers.

Which standard governs turning bay dimensions in Germany?

RASt 06 (Richtlinien für die Anlage von Stadtstraßen, 2006), published by the FGSV. The exact tables are copyrighted, but individual values are widely cited and may be referenced under Zitatrecht (§ 51 UrhG) with proper attribution. For binding values, consult the original standard.

When do I need a turning bay?

Whenever a dead-end street exceeds 50 m in length (per DIN 14090 for fire access) or whenever waste collection vehicles cannot turn around in a single move. Reversing more than 15 m on a public street is prohibited under German occupational safety regulations (BG accident prevention rules).

Hammerhead vs. T-shape — which should I use?

Hammerhead is the standard for new development: it lets garbage trucks turn in one continuous motion and serves both refuse and fire vehicles. T-shape saves area in dense existing neighborhoods but requires multiple forward/reverse moves and is unsuitable for 3-axle garbage trucks.

Turning Bay Design for Dead-Ends: Dimensions, RASt 06 and Common Mistakes

In dead-end streets, garbage trucks, fire apparatus, and delivery vehicles must be able to turn around safely – reversing more than 15 m on a public road is prohibited under German occupational safety rules (BG accident prevention regulations). The solution is a turning bay ("Wendehammer"), whose minimum dimensions are defined in the Richtlinien für die Anlage von Stadtstraßen (RASt 06). This article explains the approximate dimensions, the two common shapes, and the most frequent planning mistakes.

Key Dimensions at a Glance

Type	Approximate dimensions (outer edge)	Suitable for
Hammerhead turning bay	ca. 21.5 m × 13.0 m	2- and 3-axle garbage trucks
T-shape turning bay	ca. 18.0 m × 12.0 m (each arm 9.0 m)	Cars + small delivery vehicles
Circular turning bay	ca. 18.0 m diameter	2-axle garbage trucks

Approximate values based on RASt 06 (FGSV, 2006). For binding dimensions, consult the original standard.

The 21.5 m × 13.0 m hammerhead is the standard for regular German residential development – it serves both the waste collection truck and the fire department's tanker.

Hammerhead vs. T-Shape: Which to Use When?

Hammerhead turning bay (transverse bar at the dead-end terminus)

Safer and more space-efficient for garbage trucks because the vehicle can maneuver in one continuous motion
Standard in new development areas
Requires a continuous transverse area at least 13.0 m deep

T-shape turning bay (two short stubs left and right at the end)

Saves area because the central segment remains usable as normal carriageway
Requires multiple forward/reverse moves → unsuitable for 3-axle garbage trucks
Acceptable only in dense existing neighborhoods with mainly car and delivery traffic

Requirements From the Waste Collection Side

Local waste contractors follow PAS 1075 (Municipal Waste Collection Vehicles) and typically require:

Turning circle diameter at least 18 m for a 2-axle garbage truck
Bearing capacity SLW 30 (30 t total weight, 10 t axle load)
Vertical clearance 4.00 m across the entire area
No curbs or obstacles within the turning area

If you plan around a typical 2-axle refuse chassis (wheelbase 4.2–5.4 m, turning circle 17–19 m kerb-to-kerb), the 21.5 m × 13.0 m hammerhead is a safe bet. For details on typical garbage truck dimensions, see the garbage truck dimensions article.

Requirements From the Fire Department Side

DIN 14090 (Areas for Fire Brigades on Properties) requires that any dead-end longer than 50 m must include a turning area sized for the relevant design vehicle – usually the aerial ladder DLK 23/12. The 21.5 m × 13.0 m hammerhead is again the standard solution. For larger special structures (high-rise, care home) a larger turning area may be required. Clarify this with the responsible fire prevention office before starting.

Common Planning Mistakes

Curbs too high or too close – garbage trucks with a large rear overhang (3.2 m) scrape over the curb edge and damage their bodies. The BG occupational safety rules require a flat, obstacle-free area.
Landscaping in the turning area – trees or shrubs must not protrude into the swept path. Waste collectors swing the truck out to the very last centimeter.
Parked vehicles – marking the turning bay as parking spots destroys accessibility. Ideally the turning area is signed with a no-parking sign.
Insufficient bearing capacity – paving instead of asphalt without adequate sub-base collapses under a fully loaded garbage truck.
Wrong design case – a hammerhead designed only for 2-axle garbage trucks fails the aerial ladder turning circle of about 20 m. Always design for the geometrically most demanding vehicle.

Verifying Your Turning Bay With PathSweeper

Upload site plan or aerial view
Calibrate the scale by marking a known measurement
Pick a garbage truck template (or aerial ladder, depending on the design case)
Trace the swept path around the turning bay
Export the result as a PDF for submission to the building office

In a few minutes you'll see whether your planned turning bay meets the requirements – or whether you need to add 2 m more depth.

Related Guides

Swept Path Analysis: The Complete Guide for Planners – fundamentals of swept path calculation and Ackermann steering geometry.
Fire Truck Access per DIN 14090 – the complete minimum requirements for fire access roads.

Verify your turning bay in under five minutes – free with PathSweeper.