Abstract: A reading device for an integrated circuit card includes a slide movable in an insertion direction of the integrated circuit card between a rest and an operational position and is loaded by a spring in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The slide is blocked in its rest position by a locking device switchable between a blocking position and first and second release positions. The locking device is loaded by a further spring in the direction of the blocking position when the integrated circuit card is not inserted. At the end of an insertion movement of an integrated circuit card past a read position into an adjacent over position, the locking device is switched into its first release position by the integrated circuit card, whereby the slide is moved from its rest position into its operational position. During movement of the slide, a contact carrier is moved into contact with contacts on the circuit card.