Polish road authority warns after Google Maps errors cause dangerous turnarounds on S1

The General Directorate of National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) investigated four incidents that occurred within nine months on the S1 expressway near the Węgierska Górka bypass in the Silesian region. In each case drivers received incorrect directions from the Google Maps navigation app, prompting them to make a U‑turn and travel against the flow of traffic just before tunnel entrances.

GDDKiA emphasized that turning around, reversing, or stopping on an expressway is prohibited except for emergencies, and that drivers must follow road signs rather than rely solely on navigation software. The authority noted that responsibility for illegal maneuvers remains with the driver and cited fines of up to 3,100 zł and dozens of penalty points imposed on offenders. Google Maps was identified as the source of the erroneous guidance, but the navigation provider bears no legal liability for driver actions. The agency urged motorists to disregard such misleading prompts and continue to the next junction before changing direction.