A method for control of a preferably electro-hydraulically activated automatic transmission of a motor vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine provides for prevention of upshifting, i.e. reduction in translation in and before a curve. The upshift prevention is initiated if pressure is removed quickly from the gas pedal in idle operation. The upshift prevention is cancelled if the vehicle does not drive through a curve after elapse of a certain time period after traction operation is recognized. If idle operation is again recognized during elapse of the time period, the upshift prevention is maintained for another time period. After termination of the upshift prevention, step by step adjustment of the gear level to the value determined by the shifting characteristic field takes place.