No-Stopping Zones and Taxis: Special Rules, Supplementary Signs & What Applies

Introduction

A no-stopping sign with the addition "Taxi frei" (Taxis exempt) -- may the taxi stop there? And what applies at the taxi stand for everyone else? Taxi special rules in no-stopping zones are a common topic, both for taxi drivers and other road users. Here you will learn what the StVO (Strassenverkehrsordnung, Germany's Road Traffic Regulations) stipulates.

Supplementary Sign "Taxi frei" (Taxis Exempt)

The supplementary sign "Taxi frei" (or "Taxi") below a no-stopping sign means:

The no-stopping zone does not apply to taxis
Taxis may stop in this area
All other vehicles must observe the no-stopping zone

Important: "Taxi frei" only permits stopping (picking up and dropping off passengers, loading and unloading), not permanent parking -- unless the taxi is actively waiting for passengers at a taxi stand.

Taxi Stand (Sign 229)

The taxi stand is a designated area reserved exclusively for taxis.

Rules at the Taxi Stand

Rule	Details
Who may park there?	Only taxis with a valid licence
Stopping for others?	No -- absolute no-stopping zone for non-taxis
Parking for taxis?	Yes, while waiting for passengers
Times	According to supplementary sign or permanently

### Fines at the Taxi Stand

Violation	Fine
Stopping at a taxi stand (non-taxi)	20 EUR
Parking at a taxi stand (non-taxi)	25 EUR
With obstruction	40 EUR
Longer than 3 hours	50 EUR

---

Absolute No-Stopping Zone and Taxis

In an absolute no-stopping zone (Sign 283), taxis may only stop if a supplementary sign "Taxi frei" is present.

Without a supplementary sign, the absolute no-stopping zone also applies to taxis. A taxi has no general special privilege in no-stopping zones.

Exception: Letting Passengers In and Out

In practice, enforcement authorities often tolerate briefly stopping to let passengers in and out, even in no-stopping zones. However, this is not legally guaranteed -- it is at the discretion of the authority.

Restricted No-Stopping Zone and Taxis

In a restricted no-stopping zone (Sign 286), anyone may stop for up to 3 minutes. This also applies to taxis.

Taxis may do the following in a restricted no-stopping zone:

Let passengers in and out
Load and unload (e.g. luggage)
Stop for a maximum of 3 minutes, provided the driver remains in the vehicle

When Does "Taxi frei" Not Apply?

The supplementary sign only exempts from the no-stopping zone, not from other traffic rules:

Fire access lane: Taxis may not stop there either
Bus stop: Sign 224 -- taxis have no automatic right to stop
Pavement/cycle path: No exception for taxis
Double parking: Not permitted even with "Taxi frei"

Frequently Asked Questions

May taxis double-park?

No. Stopping in the second row is prohibited for all vehicles (StVO Section 12, Paragraph 4). Taxi drivers who drop off passengers in the second row risk a 20 EUR fine, or 40 EUR if causing obstruction.

Does "Taxi frei" also apply to ride-hailing vehicles (Uber, Bolt)?

No. Ride-hailing drivers are not taxis under the StVO. The supplementary sign "Taxi frei" applies only to vehicles with a valid taxi licence. Ride-hailing vehicles must observe the no-stopping zone.

May I stop at a taxi stand as a private individual to pick someone up?

No. The taxi stand is reserved exclusively for taxis. Even brief stopping to pick someone up is not permitted and will cost at least 20 EUR.

What if no taxi is at the taxi stand -- may I park there briefly?

No. The taxi stand applies regardless of whether taxis are currently there. The restriction is permanent (or time-limited according to the supplementary sign).

Summary

"Taxi frei": Exempts taxis from the no-stopping zone -- not other vehicles
Taxi stand (Sign 229): Only for licensed taxis
Absolute no-stopping zone without supplementary sign: Applies to taxis as well
Restricted no-stopping zone: Up to 3 minutes for everyone, including taxis
Ride-hailing vehicles (Uber, Bolt): No taxi special privileges