A circuit configuration for actuating a safety relay (1) such as the main relay of an electronically controlled brake system of an automotive vehicle at least has two transistors (T1, T2) connected in series and a monitoring circuit (5) which will urge the transistors into the non-conductive state if there is a defect or trouble. The operativeness of the transistors (T1, T2) or of the monitoring circuit (5) will cause the safety relay (1) to be switched off.