Introduction
A no-stopping sign stands on the right side of the street. Does it also apply to the left? And how far does it extend? The scope of no-stopping zones is one of the most common questions in road traffic. Here you will find the rules.
Basic Rule: The Side Where the Sign Is Installed
A no-stopping sign generally applies only to the side of the street where it is installed.
Installed on the right -- applies to the right side of the street Installed on the left -- applies to the left side of the streetThis means: If you park on the opposite side, the sign does not apply to you -- unless there is a separate prohibition sign on that side.
Special Case: One-Way Street
In one-way streets, parking is allowed on both sides. A no-stopping sign in a one-way street still applies only to the side where it is installed.
| Situation | Right Side | Left Side |
|---|---|---|
| Sign on the right, one-way street | No-stopping zone | No restriction |
| Sign on the left, one-way street | No restriction | No-stopping zone |
| Signs on both sides | No-stopping zone | No-stopping zone |
Left-Side Installation
In certain cases, traffic signs are installed on the left side of the street. This occurs with:
- One-way streets (parking on the left is allowed, no-stopping on the left is possible)
- Streets with a central reservation (each direction has its own signage)
- Dead-end streets or narrow streets
With left-side installation, the sign applies to the left side -- just as right-side installation applies to the right.
How Far Does the No-Stopping Zone Extend?
With Arrows
Arrows on the no-stopping sign indicate the scope:
| Arrow | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Arrow pointing left (beginning) | The no-stopping zone starts here |
| Arrow pointing both directions (middle) | The no-stopping zone continues |
| Arrow pointing right (end) | The no-stopping zone ends here |
Without Arrows
A no-stopping sign without arrows applies from the sign in the direction of travel until the next junction or intersection.
After the junction, you need to look for new signs. If there is no new no-stopping sign, stopping is permitted again.
No-Stopping Zones (Halteverbotszone)
A no-stopping zone (Sign 290.1 / 290.2) applies to the entire area -- both sides of the street, all side streets within the zone.
| Feature | Individual Sign | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | One side of the street | Both sides |
| Extent | Until the next junction | Until the zone-end sign |
| Arrows | Possible | Not necessary |
Does the No-Stopping Zone Apply to All Lanes?
On multi-lane roads, the no-stopping zone applies to all lanes on the side where the sign is installed. This means you may not stop on any lane on that side of the road -- regardless of whether you are on the right-hand lane or a middle lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a no-stopping sign on the right side also apply to the left?
No. Only on the side where it is installed. A separate sign must be placed on the other side for the prohibition to apply there.What applies at a T-junction?
The no-stopping zone ends at the junction. After the junction, a new sign is required for the zone to continue.
Does the no-stopping zone apply on the pavement?
No. No-stopping zones apply on the carriageway (and, where applicable, the hard shoulder -- see supplementary signs). The pavement is not affected -- separate rules apply there.How do I recognise whether a no-stopping zone applies?
Look for the round sign with the addition "Zone" (Sign 290.1). It is larger than a regular no-stopping sign and contains the text "Zone".
Summary
- Side of installation: The sign applies only to the side where it stands
- One-way street: Still only the side of installation
- With arrows: Beginning, middle, end -- read carefully
- Without arrows: Applies until the next junction
- Zone: Both sides, entire area
- Pavement: Not affected
Related Tips
- How to Read No-Stopping Sign Arrows Correctly
- No-Stopping Zone on the Hard Shoulder
- No-Stopping Zone Supplementary Signs Explained