Apply for a no-stopping zone in Berlin

Step by step to the application, with all documents and processing times at a glance.

Apply for a no-stopping zone in Berlin: for removals, the official Serviceportal page mentions an informal application to the Straßenverkehrsbehörde of the responsible district. The minimum fee is 21 EUR and processing takes on average 4 Wochen. The authority issues the traffic-law order, but does not provide any signs.

Short answer: apply for a no-stopping zone in Berlin

• Where to apply: to the Straßenverkehrsbehörde of the district in which the no-stopping zone is to be set up.
• What to submit:informal application with location, period, reason and traffic sign plan.
• Costs: at least 21 EUR, depending on scope and duration.
• Duration: on average 4 Wochen processing time. Because of the signs, allow at least 6 Wochen until moving day.
• Signs: The authority only issues the order. You must organise traffic signs yourself or commission a specialist company.
• Source: Berlin Service Portal: no-parking zone for removals.

Here you can find out all the steps, requirements, important deadlines and facts.

Submit an application

Any citizen can submit an application to the Bezirksamt. Either yourself or via a provider. The responsible body is the Straßenverkehrsbehörde for the neighbourhood where the no-parking zone is to be. The minimum fee is 21 EUR – you can find out more about this in our Cost guide.

Basic requirements for the application:

• Reason for the no-parking zone (e.g. removal, building site, event)
• Traffic sign plan that can be ordered, with dimensions
• Exact times for the period of validity

The Straßenverkehrsbehörde reviews each application individually. It must weigh up the public interest against your private interest. A removal or a building site are usually sufficient reasons.

Important restrictions:

• No no-parking zone outside schools during school hours
• No blocking of bus stops or disabled parking bays
• At least 5 metres distance from junctions and driveways

The authority can reject your application or demand changes. You will receive a rejection in writing with reasons. The fee is only payable if approved.

Company applications are generally processed faster than private applications.

Apply for a no-parking zone in Berlin online

If you want to apply for a no-parking zone in Berlin online, do not start with a general form, but with the responsible Straßenverkehrsbehörde in your Bezirk. The official Serviceportal page for no-parking zones for removals lists an informal application. Depending on the Bezirk, submission by email, PDF or via a digital form route may be possible.

How to check the right online route:

1. Open the Berlin Serviceportal page on the no-parking zone for removals.
2. Select the Bezirk in which the no-parking zone is to be set up.
3. Check the contact and submission details of the Straßenverkehrsbehörde named there.
4. Submit the informal application with traffic sign plan via the route stated there.

Use a digital form route only if your Bezirk or the Serviceportal page states this route for your case.

Required documents

The application is handled via the Straßenverkehrsbehörde in the relevant Bezirk. For removals, Berlin specifies an informal application. What matters is that all information is complete.

This information must be included in the application:

1. Name, address and contact details
2. Address and exact area of the desired no-parking zone
3. Date, start time and end time
4. Reason, for example a removal
5. Traffic sign plan with dimensions
6. desired length of the zone in metres

Create a traffic sign plan:

The plan must be to scale and show all relevant road elements. Clearly draw in: house numbers, driveways, other traffic signs, trees, lampposts and the desired no-parking zone. The dimensions must be given in metres.

Note: A simple hand-drawn sketch is not sufficient. Many applicants use Google Maps as a basis and draw the zone in using an image-editing program.

The legal basis for a no-parking zone is § 45 (6) StVO. The authority only issues the traffic law order. The traffic signs must be hired separately from a company providing building-site safety equipment.

Processing time

The processing time is on average 4 Weeks in Berlin. Depending on the Bezirk and workload, the duration varies.

Key deadlines at a glance:

• Application: submit at least 6 Weeks before the desired period
• Processing: allow an average of 4 Weeks
• Signs: hire in good time and put up at least 72 hours before they become valid

Note: The 72-hour rule is required by law. This means the signs must be put up 72 hours before the no-parking zone becomes valid. Plan four days’ lead time for putting them up.

Processing times by Bezirk:

The duration varies depending on the Bezirk and workload. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf processes private applications in 10 Weeks (company applications in 1). Pankow and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg often need 6-8 Weeks for private applications.

Lichtenberg usually manages processing in 3 Weeks. Neukölln, Spandau and Marzahn-Hellersdorf are at 3-4 Weeks. You can find more details in our Borough comparison.

If there are delays in processing, follow up by phone. You can find the contact details on your borough’s website or in our cost guide.

Note: Many applications are rejected and delayed due to avoidable mistakes. The most common problems arise with the traffic sign plan and incomplete information. A rejection often means delays of several weeks.

Common mistakes

• Inaccurate or missing traffic sign plan without dimensions
• Too short a lead time
• Incomplete justification without a specific reason
• Incorrect times or unrealistic duration
• Blocking important traffic routes without an alternative
• Missing contact details or illegible handwriting

Avoid traffic sign plan mistakes:

The plan must show the location, all house numbers, driveways and existing traffic signs. Measure the desired zone precisely and state the length in metres. A rough sketch without measurements will be rejected.

Also draw in trees, charging bays for electric cars, street lights and other obstacles. The authority must check whether the signs can be put up there. Do not forget the arrow direction for the no-stopping zone.

Get the timing right:

Do not apply for the no-stopping zone for whole days if you do not need it. “From 8:00 to 18:00” is better than “all day”. Residents are less affected and approval is more likely.

However, plan in some buffer time. If, for example, you are moving on Saturday, apply for the no-stopping zone from Saturday 8:00 to Sunday 18:00. That way you will not run into difficulties if the move is delayed.

Private individuals vs service providers:

Many private individuals make mistakes with their first application. Removal companies and service providers know the requirements precisely and usually submit error-free applications. Company orders are generally processed faster.

Note: A service provider costs an additional 50 to 150 EUR, but can save you time and stress. In complex situations or when time is tight, professional help is often cheaper than a rejected application. The Bezirksämter offer no express applications.

What to do if rejected

You can lodge an objection or submit a new application with changes. The objection is free of charge, but takes additional weeks. Often a new application with a smaller zone or different times is more successful.

After approval

You will receive the order for a temporary no-stopping zone by post or email. It contains the exact period and positions for the signs. Without this official order, you are not allowed to put up any signs.

You must hire the signs from a company for construction-site traffic management. The Straßenverkehrsbehörde provides no signs. Additionally, allow 50 to 150 EUR for hiring the signs.

You can find details on putting up the signs in the sign guide. Back to the no-stopping overview for more information.

All information provided without guarantee. Only the competent authority can provide binding information.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to process a no-stopping application in Berlin?

Processing takes an average of 4 W weeks. In some boroughs it can take up to 10 W weeks. Company orders are usually processed faster than private applications.

How much does it cost to apply for a no-stopping zone?

The minimum fee is 21,00 EUR. The costs can increase depending on the effort involved and the duration of the zone. In addition, you must hire signs from a company.

Can I apply for a no-stopping zone in Berlin online?

Not across the board via a simple online service for private moves. The official Serviceportal page specifies an informal application to the Straßenverkehrsbehörde of the responsible borough. Check there whether your borough accepts email, PDF or a digital form route.

How early do I need to apply for the no-stopping zone?

You should apply at least 6 W weeks before the desired date. The signs must be put up 72 hours before they take effect.

What happens if my application is rejected?

You can lodge an objection or submit a new application with changes. A smaller zone or different times often helps to obtain approval.