A device for detecting steering angle and steering direction of a steering wheel in an automotive vehicle, includes a pair of fixed contacts and a movable contact. The movable contact is arranged in connection with the fixed contacts in such a way that, when the steering wheel rotates in one direction, the movable contact engages only the first fixed contact, and when the steering wheel rotates in the opposite direction, the movable contact engages only the second fixed contact. Upon the basis of signals produced whenever the movable contact contacts one of the fixed contacts, the steering angle and steering direction are detected.