No-parking zone with time and date: how to read time information correctly

Introduction

You are standing in front of a no-parking sign with a supplementary sign that says "Mon-Fri 7-18h". Does the prohibition apply right now? And what does a date on a mobile no-parking sign mean? Time information on supplementary signs confuses many drivers. Here you will find out how to read it correctly.

Basic principle: without a time indication, it always applies

A no-parking sign without a supplementary sign applies 24 hours a day, every day. There is no hidden time limit.

Only an additional sign with a time specification restricts the validity. Outside the times stated, you may stop or park.

Time details on additional signs

Format: "Mo-Fr 7-18h"

Example: The sign shows "Mo-Fr 7-18h" and it is Saturday, 10:00. No stopping restriction, you may stop.

Example: The sign shows "Mo-Fr 7-18h" and it is Wednesday, 19:00. No stopping restriction - the time period has expired.

Date details on mobile signs

Mobile no-stopping signs (e.g. for a move or building site) often display a specific date with a time on the additional sign.

Typical format

"Mo 20.1., 7 Uhr - Di 21.1., 20 Uhr"

This means:

• Start: Monday, 20 January, 7:00
• End: Tuesday, 21 January, 20:00
• Before and after this period, there is no stopping restriction

Mobile signs without a time specification

If a mobile no-stopping sign shows no date and no time, it applies from installation until removal. This is rare, but possible for long-term building sites.

Interpreting weekdays correctly

"Mo-Fr" = Monday to Friday (5 Tage). Saturday and Sunday are free.

"Mo-Sa" = Monday to Saturday. Only Sunday is free.

Warning: Public holidays that fall on a working day are not automatically excluded on additional signs. "Mo-Fr" also applies on public holidays, unless another additional sign says otherwise.

Combined time details

Some additional signs combine weekday and time:

What happens outside the times?

Outside the time period stated, the stopping restriction does not apply. You may then stop and park, provided no other prohibitions apply (e.g. parking ban, fire service access, kerb marking).

Practical: If you leave your car in the evening and the sign shows "Mon-Fri 7-18h", you must drive away before 7:00 in the morning otherwise you risk a fine.

Fines for non-compliance

Frequently asked questions

Does "werktags" also apply on Saturdays?

Yes. In traffic law, Saturday counts as a working day. "Werktags" or "Mon-Sat" includes Saturday. Only "Mon-Fri" excludes it.

What does "except on Sundays and public holidays" mean?

This supplementary sign exempts Sundays and public holidays from the Halteverbot. The ban then applies only on working days (Mon-Sat).

Am I allowed to park 5 minutes before the end of the time period?

No. The Halteverbot applies until the stated time. Anyone who parks at 17:55 with a "until 18:00" sign risks a fine for those 5 minutes.

What if the time on the sign is difficult to read?

If the time information is illegible, covered or damaged, a fine can be challenged. Photograph the sign as evidence.

Summary

• Without a time: Halteverbot always applies (24/7)
• With a time: Only during the stated period
• With a date: Only during the stated period (mobile signs)
• Werktags = Mon-Sat (Saturday is a working day in traffic law)
• Public holidays are not automatically exempt
• Outside the times: stopping and parking permitted

Related Tips

• Halteverbot supplementary signs explained
• Reading arrows on Halteverbot signs correctly
• Notice period for mobile Halteverbot

Sources

• StVO Annex 2 – supplementary signs
• StVO § 39 – traffic signs
• Bußgeldkatalog – Halteverbot