No-stopping zone for a move: costs, application and avoiding mistakes
Introduction
Moving without a no-stopping zone? Possible, but stressful. Without a reserved parking space outside the door, you risk the removal van not finding a space. Here you can find out how to apply for a no-stopping zone for your move, what it costs and which mistakes you should avoid.
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Why a no-stopping zone for the move?
| Without a no-stopping zone | With a no-stopping zone |
|---|---|
| No reserved space | Reserved area outside the door |
| Removal van possibly far away | Removal van right outside the house |
| Carry furniture further | Short distances |
| More stressful moving day | Plannable and relaxed |
| Possible parking ticket for the removal van | Legal parking space |
How to apply for a no-stopping zone
Step 1: Apply to the Straßenverkehrsbehörde
The following details are required: address with side of the street, desired period (date and time), length of the required area in metres. Depending on the city, the lead time is 2 to 6 W weeks.
Step 2: Receive authorisation
The authority checks the application and issues a traffic regulation order (§ 45 Abs. 6 StVO). This authorises the putting up of no-stopping signs.
Step 3: Put up signs
The signs must be put up at least 3 full days before the no-stopping zone begins. Photograph the signs with a time stamp as evidence.
Mobile no-stopping zone lead time →
Step 4: On moving day
- Check whether the area is clear
- If someone parks there anyway: call the Ordnungsamt (towing possible)
- After the move: remove signs
Cost comparison by city
| City | Authority fee | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | From 21 EUR (move total 250 to 350 EUR) | Depending on effort and duration, weekend +50 % |
| Hamburg | 30 to 200 EUR + signs separately | Power of attorney for third-party application |
| Munich | Depending on effort (no fixed rates) | Centralised via Mobilitätsreferat |
| Cologne | 36 EUR first day, 18 EUR for each additional day | Site inspection 48 EUR |
| Leipzig | 30 to 40 EUR + daily and per-metre fee | Application via amt24.sachsen.de |
| Dortmund | 30 EUR (1 day), 40 EUR (several days) | Only via service provider, 20 W working days' lead time |
| Frankfurt | 45 EUR (up to 1 W week), +50 % extension | At least 14 Tage lead time |
No-stopping zone for a move in Cologne
Responsible is the Amt für öffentliche Ordnung of the City of Cologne. The fee is 36 EUR on the first day and 18 EUR for each additional day. The processing time is 3 W weeks, for complex applications up to 4 W weeks.
Special points when moving in Cologne:
- Around Carnival, the volume of applications increases. During this period, allow 4 W weeks’ lead time.
- In the city centre and in the Veedel (Ehrenfeld, Nippes, Südstadt), parking spaces are scarce.
No-parking zone for moving house in Leipzig
Responsible is the Straßenverkehrsbehörde / Verkehrsmanagement of the City of Leipzig. The administrative fee is 30 to 40 EUR, plus 5 to 10 EUR per day and 1 to 2 EUR per metre. The application can be submitted via amt24.sachsen.de or by email to vta-umzuege@leipzig.de . The minimum lead time is 14 Tage.
Special features when moving house in Leipzig:
- In popular areas such as Südvorstadt, Connewitz and Plagwitz, the streets are often narrow. Apply for a sufficiently large zone.
- Old buildings without a lift mean the move will take longer. If necessary, plan for two days.
No-parking zone for moving house in Hamburg
Responsible is the Polizeikommissariat. The fee is between 30 and 200 EUR, depending on duration and scope. The costs for the signs are added separately. The minimum lead time is 14 Tage. The signs must be put up at least 3 to 4 full days before the start.
Special features when moving house in Hamburg:
- In areas with residents’ parking zones (Eimsbüttel, St. Pauli, Ottensen), applications are checked more closely.
- When moving in Altona and Winterhude: narrow streets and lots of one-way streets. Plan the zone so that the removal van can manoeuvre easily.
- If the application is submitted by third parties, a power of attorney is required.
No-parking zone for moving house in Dortmund
Responsible is the Tiefbauamt (Straßenverkehrsbehörde). The fee is 30 EUR for one day, 40 EUR for several days. Private individuals cannot submit the application directly. Applications are made exclusively via a removal company, a provider, or a traffic management contractor. The minimum lead time is 20 W working days.
Special features when moving house in Dortmund:
- 20 W working days’ lead time (approx. 4 W weeks). Significantly more than in other major cities.
- The application must go through a provider. Factor in the provider’s costs in addition to the authority fee.
Avoid common mistakes
Mistake 1: Applying too late
Application 1 W week before the move: approval will not arrive in time. Depending on the city, allow 2 to 6 W weeks.
Mistake 2: Putting up the signs too late
Signs up for less than 3 Tage: vehicles cannot be towed away. Put up the signs immediately after approval and document it.
Mistake 3: Applying for an area that is too small
A 7,5-tonne lorry needs 12 to 15 metres. A van (3,5t) needs 6 to 8 metres.
Mistake 4: No documentation
Photograph the signs immediately after putting them up, with a visible timestamp.
What to do if someone parks in the zone anyway?
If the vehicle is there after the signs have been put up, it can be towed away. Call your city’s Ordnungsamt hotline. Provide the address, registration plate and approval number. Towing takes 30 to 90 minutes. Allow some extra time on the morning of the move.
Using a provider vs doing it yourself
| Provider | Do it yourself |
|---|---|
| Everything from a single source | Cheaper |
| Authority application included | More effort |
| Signs delivered and put up | Organise the application + signs yourself |
| 100 to 250 EUR | 50 to 100 EUR |
For a short distance and a straightforward move: do it yourself. For a big-city move under time pressure: use a provider.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a no-parking zone at both addresses?
Recommended. A no-parking zone at the old and new address ensures that the removal van has space in both places.
How big does the no-parking zone need to be?
Rule of thumb: 10 to 15 metres for a 7,5-tonne lorry. For a van (3,5t): 6 to 8 metres.
Can I apply for the no-parking zone at the weekend?
Usually not. Authorities work Monday to Friday. Plan to submit your application in good time during the week.