Absolute vs. Restricted No-Stopping Zone: The Difference
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Introduction
Two red lines or one? When it comes to no-stopping signs, this question often causes confusion. But the difference matters: with one sign you may stop briefly, with the other you may not stop at all. Here you will learn what absolute and restricted no-stopping zones mean.
The Two No-Stopping Signs Compared
| Absolute No-Stopping Zone | Restricted No-Stopping Zone | |
|---|---|---|
| Sign | 283 (Zeichen 283) | 286 (Zeichen 286) |
| Appearance | Two crossed red bars (X) | One diagonal red bar |
| Stopping allowed? | No | Yes, up to 3 minutes |
| Parking allowed? | No | No |
What Does "Stopping" vs. "Parking" Mean?
The StVO (German Road Traffic Regulations) clearly distinguishes between stopping and parking:
Stopping = vehicle is stopped, driver stays in or at the vehicle- Stopping briefly for a phone call
- Waiting for someone (if you could drive off immediately)
- Loading or unloading (without delay)
- Leaving your car and walking away
- Waiting for longer than 3 minutes
Sign 283 (Zeichen 283): Absolute No-Stopping Zone
Meaning according to StVO: "Stopping on the roadway is prohibited."
In practice, this means:
- No stopping – not even for 10 seconds
- No dropping anyone off – not even briefly
- No loading or unloading – not at all
- No parking – obviously not
Sign 286 (Zeichen 286): Restricted No-Stopping Zone
Meaning according to StVO: "Drivers may not stop for longer than three minutes, except for getting in or out of the vehicle, or for loading or unloading."
In practice, this means:
- Stopping up to 3 minutes allowed – as long as you stay in or at the vehicle
- Getting in and out allowed – even if it takes longer than 3 minutes
- Loading and unloading allowed – as long as there is no delay
- Parking prohibited – do not leave the vehicle or wait for more than 3 minutes
Memory Aid: How to Tell Them Apart
Sign 283 (absolute): The X means "crossed out" = stopping is completely cancelled Sign 286 (restricted): One line = "restricted" = a bit of stopping is still OKOr simply:
- Two lines = zero stopping
- One line = a little stopping
Fines Compared
| Violation | Sign 283 (Zeichen 283) | Sign 286 (Zeichen 286) |
|---|---|---|
| Stopping | €20 | – (allowed) |
| Stopping with obstruction | €35 | – |
| Parking | €25 | €25 |
| Parking with obstruction | €40 | €40 |
| Parking > 1 hour | €40 | €40 |
| Parking > 1 hour + obstruction | €50 | €50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I let someone out at sign 286 (Zeichen 286)?
Yes. Getting in and out is explicitly allowed, even if it takes longer than 3 minutes.Can I briefly turn on my hazard lights at sign 283 (Zeichen 283) to let someone out?
No. Even with hazard lights on, stopping at sign 283 is prohibited. Hazard lights do not protect you from a fine.What about delivery vehicles?
At sign 286 (Zeichen 286), delivery vehicles may load and unload – but without delay. At sign 283 (Zeichen 283), even that is prohibited.
Summary
| Sign 283 (Zeichen 283) | Sign 286 (Zeichen 286) | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | X (two bars) | / (one bar) |
| Stopping | Prohibited | Allowed up to 3 min. |
| Parking | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Getting in/out | Prohibited | Allowed |
| Loading/unloading | Prohibited | Allowed |
Sources
- StVO Anlage 2 – Zeichen 283 and 286
- StVO § 12 – Stopping and Parking (Halten und Parken)
- Bußgeldkatalog – No-Stopping Signs
Image Sources (Public Domain)
| Sign | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| 283 | SVG |
| 286 | SVG |
Last updated: 10. Dezember 2025