In a method and a device for triggering a request for taking control (RTC), a driver of a vehicle having adaptive cruise control is signaled that the adaptive cruise control system may not be capable of controlling a driving situation, and that the driver may have to intervene, the signaling of the driver being generated in accordance with at least two vehicle variables, whereby the probability of a false alarm by the system is reduced, and the triggering of the RTC is adapted to the instantaneous vehicle speed.