Introduction
You are standing in front of a no-stopping sign with a supplementary sign that reads "Mo-Fr 7-18h". Does the restriction apply right now? And what does a date on a mobile no-stopping sign mean? Time specifications on supplementary signs confuse many drivers. Here you will learn how to read them correctly.
Basic Principle: Without a Time Specification, the Zone Always Applies
A no-stopping sign without a supplementary sign applies around the clock, every day. There is no hidden time restriction.
Only a supplementary sign with a time specification limits the applicability. Outside the specified times, you may stop or park.
Time Specifications on Supplementary Signs
Format: "Mo-Fr 7-18h"
| Specification | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mo-Fr 7-18h | Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Mo-Sa 8-20h | Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| 6-22h | Daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Sa 8-14h | Saturdays only, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
Date Specifications on Mobile Signs
Mobile no-stopping signs (e.g. for moving or construction work) often display a specific date and time on the supplementary sign.
Typical Format
> "Mo 20.1., 7 Uhr -- Di 21.1., 20 Uhr"
This means:
- Start: Monday, 20 January, 7:00 AM
- End: Tuesday, 21 January, 8:00 PM
- Before and after this period, no stopping restriction applies
Mobile Signs Without a Time Specification
If a mobile no-stopping sign displays no date and no time, it applies from the moment it is set up until it is removed. This is rare, but possible for longer-term construction sites.
Correctly Interpreting Weekdays
| Abbreviation | Weekday |
|---|---|
| Mo | Monday (Montag) |
| Di | Tuesday (Dienstag) |
| Mi | Wednesday (Mittwoch) |
| Do | Thursday (Donnerstag) |
| Fr | Friday (Freitag) |
| Sa | Saturday (Samstag) |
| So | Sunday (Sonntag) |
Combined Time Specifications
Some supplementary signs combine weekdays and times:
| Supplementary Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mo-Fr 7-18h | Weekdays during the day |
| Mo-Sa 8-20h | Weekdays + Saturday, during the day |
| So 10-12h | Sundays only, late morning |
| 0-24h | Around the clock (rare, redundant) |
What Happens Outside the Specified Times?
Outside the specified time period, the no-stopping zone does not apply. You may then stop and park -- provided no other restrictions are in effect (e.g. no-parking zone, fire access lane, kerb markings).
Practical tip: If you park your car in the evening and the sign reads "Mo-Fr 7-18h", you must move it before 7:00 AM the next morning. Otherwise you risk a fine.Fines for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Stopping in a time-restricted no-stopping zone | 20--35 EUR |
| Parking in a time-restricted no-stopping zone | 25--50 EUR |
| With obstruction | up to 80 EUR + 1 penalty point |
| In a mobile no-stopping zone (moving/construction) | 25--50 EUR + risk of towing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "werktags" (workdays) include Saturday?
Yes. Under German traffic law, Saturday is considered a workday. "Werktags" or "Mo-Sa" includes Saturday. Only "Mo-Fr" excludes it.What does "ausser an Sonn- und Feiertagen" (except on Sundays and public holidays) mean?
This supplementary sign exempts Sundays and public holidays from the no-stopping zone. The restriction then applies only on workdays (Monday to Saturday).
May I park 5 minutes before the end of the time specification?
No. The no-stopping zone applies until the specified time. Anyone who parks at 5:55 PM when the sign reads "until 6:00 PM" risks a fine for those 5 minutes.What if the time on the sign is illegible?
If the time specification is illegible, covered, or damaged, a fine can be contested. Photograph the sign as evidence.
Summary
- Without a time specification: No-stopping zone applies at all times (24/7)
- With a time: Only during the specified period
- With a date: Only during the specified period (mobile signs)
- Werktags (workdays) = Mon--Sat (Saturday is a workday under German traffic law)
- Public holidays are not automatically excluded
- Outside the specified times: stopping and parking are permitted
Related Tips
- No-Stopping Zone Supplementary Signs Explained
- No-Stopping Sign Arrows -- How to Read Them Correctly
- Mobile No-Stopping Zone Lead Time