Applying for a No-Stopping Zone: When Is a Zone Worth It?
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Introduction
Individual no-stopping signs or an entire zone? For larger areas — such as street festivals, construction sites, or moves with multiple trucks — a no-stopping zone (Halteverbotszone) can be far more practical. Here you will learn when a zone is worth it and how to apply for one.
What Is a No-Stopping Zone?
A no-stopping zone is a contiguous area where stopping restrictions apply — not just at a specific spot.
Signs 290.1 and 290.2
- Sign 290.1 (Zeichen 290.1): Start of the zone (restricted no-stopping)
- Sign 290.2 (Zeichen 290.2): End of the zone
Zone vs. Individual Signs: What Is the Difference?
| Individual signs (283/286) | Zone (290.1/290.2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | One side of a street | Entire area (all streets) |
| Number of signs | Many (every 25–50 m) | Few (only at zone edges) |
| Effort | Higher | Lower |
| Cost | Per sign | Flat rate |
| Typical use | Individual parking spots | Street festivals, large construction sites |
When Is a Zone Worth It?
A zone makes sense for:
- Large areas (multiple streets, squares)
- Street festivals and events
- Major construction sites with many access points
- Residential areas with complex street layouts
Individual signs make sense for:
- A single move (just a few parking spots)
- Short stretches (under 50 metres)
- Temporary measures with a clear start and end point
How to Apply for a No-Stopping Zone
The application process is similar to applying for individual signs:
1. Application at the Road Traffic Authority (Strassenverkehrsbehorde)
- Informal application or online form
- Required details: area, time period, purpose, sketch
2. Required Information
- Exact area: Which streets and squares should be included in the zone?
- Time period: Start and end (date and time)
- Purpose: Event, construction site, etc.
- Site plan: Sketch or map with the zone marked
3. Wait for Approval
- Processing time: approximately 2–4 weeks
- For large events, apply well in advance!
4. Organise Signage
- Zone signs at all entrances to the zone
- If needed: additional information signs within the zone
Costs for a No-Stopping Zone
Costs vary depending on the city and the size of the zone:
| Item | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Administrative fee | €30–100 |
| Sign rental (zone) | €50–150 |
| Setup and removal | €50–100 |
| Total | €100–350 |
Rules Within the Zone
Within a no-stopping zone (sign 290.1), the following rules apply:
- Restricted no-stopping on all public traffic areas
- Stopping for up to 3 minutes is allowed
- Parking is forbidden
- Exceptions only with supplementary signs (e.g. resident parking permit / Bewohnerparkausweis)
Can I Apply for a Zone for My Move?
In theory, yes, but in practice:- Authorities usually approve zones only for large-scale needs
- For a normal move, individual signs are sufficient
- Zones are intended for events and construction sites
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a zone? | A contiguous area with no-stopping restrictions |
| Signs? | 290.1 (start), 290.2 (end) |
| When is it worth it? | Large areas, events |
| Costs? | €100–350 (often cheaper than many individual signs) |
| For a move? | Possible, but individual signs are usually enough |
Sources
Image Sources (Public Domain)
| Sign | Direct link |
|---|---|
| 290.1 | SVG |
| 290.2 | SVG |
Last updated: 28. Dezember 2025