No-Stopping Zone on the Road Shoulder: What Applies?

Introduction

A no-stopping sign at the side of the road – but does it also apply to the road shoulder? The answer depends on the supplementary sign. Here you will learn when you may stop on the road shoulder (Seitenstreifen) and when you may not.

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Basic Rule: No-Stopping Only Applies to the Carriageway

Without a supplementary sign, traffic signs 283 and 286 apply only to the carriageway (Fahrbahn). The road shoulder is not automatically included.

Carriageway (Fahrbahn) = the part of the road where vehicles drive Road shoulder (Seitenstreifen) = the paved area next to the carriageway (often separated by road markings)

This means: A simple no-stopping sign without a supplement prohibits stopping on the carriageway, but not on the road shoulder.

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Supplementary Sign "on the Shoulder" (auf dem Seitenstreifen)

"on the shoulder" (auf dem Seitenstreifen)

Meaning: The no-stopping restriction applies only on the road shoulder, not on the carriageway.

Typical use: Roads where the shoulder must be kept clear for traffic flow (e.g. for cyclists or emergency vehicles).

"also on the shoulder" (auch auf dem Seitenstreifen)

Meaning: The no-stopping restriction applies both on the carriageway and on the road shoulder.

Typical use: Locations where stopping is not permitted at all – neither on the road nor beside it.

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Overview: When Does What Apply?

Sign	Carriageway	Road Shoulder
Sign 283/286 without supplement	No stopping	No restriction
+ "on the shoulder"	No restriction	No stopping
+ "also on the shoulder"	No stopping	No stopping

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What Is a Road Shoulder?

According to the StVO, the road shoulder (Seitenstreifen) is the paved area next to the carriageway. It is not intended for driving, but can be used for stopping and parking – unless prohibited.

How to recognise it:

• Often separated from the carriageway by a road marking (broad continuous line)
• Paved surface (asphalt, cobblestone)
• Narrower than a regular traffic lane

Note: Grass strips, sidewalks, and cycle paths are not road shoulders.

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Fines

Offence	Fine
Stopping on the road shoulder despite supplementary sign	€20 (sign 283)
Parking on the road shoulder despite supplementary sign	€25
With obstruction	€35–50

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park on the road shoulder if only a standard no-stopping sign is posted?

Generally yes – the standard no-stopping sign (without a supplement) only applies to the carriageway. However, check whether other restrictions apply (e.g. parking prohibition, boundary markings).

What applies on motorways?

On motorways and expressways (Autobahnen und Kraftfahrstraßen), a general no-stopping rule applies – on both the carriageway and the road shoulder. Signs 283/286 are not required here; the prohibition stems from § 18 StVO.

Does this also apply to the hard shoulder on the motorway?

Yes, the hard shoulder (Standstreifen) is reserved for emergencies only (breakdown, accident). Stopping without reason costs €30; if it causes a hazard, fines of €75 and 1 penalty point may apply.

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Summary

• Without a supplementary sign: The no-stopping restriction applies only to the carriageway
• "on the shoulder": Applies only to the road shoulder
• "also on the shoulder": Applies to both
• Road shoulder ≠ sidewalk, cycle path, or grass strip

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Sources

• StVO Anlage 2 – Supplementary Signs
• StVO § 12 – Stopping and Parking
• Fine Catalogue – Road Shoulder