Putting up no-stopping signs yourself: rules and tips

Introduction

You have received authorisation for a temporary no-stopping zone, for your move, a building site or a delivery. Now you need to put up the signs. But when? And how? Here you will find out the key rules.

Important: authorisation first, then signs

You are not allowed to just put up no-stopping signs!

Before you put up signs, you need a traffic-law order from the Straßenverkehrsbehörde for your district or city.

How it works:

1. Submit an application to the Straßenverkehrsbehörde
2. Wait for approval (order)
3. Obtain signs (hire or buy)
4. Put up signs (with lead time!)
5. After the authorisation ends: take down the signs

The 72-hour rule (lead time)

No-stopping signs must be put up at least 72 hours (3 full days) before the no-stopping zone begins.

This lead time gives drivers time to move their vehicles away.

Example:

• No-stopping zone to apply: Monday, 8:00
• Put up signs: by Friday at the latest, 8:00

What happens if the lead time is shorter?

• Vehicles that were parked before the signs were put up may not be towed away
• The towing costs can be reclaimed from the keeper
• The no-stopping zone still applies, but without the option to tow

How must the signs be put up?

Position

• Clearly visible at the edge of the carriageway
• At eye level (about 1,50–2,00 m)
• Not obscured by trees, cars or other objects

Spacing

• At the beginning and end of the restricted zone
• On long stretches: every 25–50 metres a repeat sign (sign with double arrow)

Direction of arrow

• Beginning: arrow points towards the carriageway (Zeichen 283-10 / 286-10)
• End: arrow points away from the carriageway (Zeichen 283-20 / 286-20)
• Middle: double arrow (Zeichen 283-30 / 286-30)

Additional sign with date/time

• An additional sign must be displayed under the no-stopping sign with:
  • Date (start and end)
  • Time (start and end)
  • Example: "Mon 15.1., 8 – Wed 17.1., 18"

Documentation is important!

Photograph the signs you have put up!

• Directly after putting them up
• With the date visible (e.g. a daily newspaper in the picture or the camera’s timestamp)
• Location identifiable (house number, street sign)

Why? If someone claims the signs were not there or were put up too late, you have proof.

Where can I get no-stopping signs?

Option 1: Hire
Many companies hire out no-stopping signs, including putting them up and taking them down:

• Removal companies
• Sign hire companies
• Building-site equipment suppliers

Cost: about 50–150 € (depending on number and duration)

Option 2: Buy your own
Traffic signs are available from specialist retailers. Make sure they are StVO-compliant (reflective, correct size).

Cost: about 30–80 € per sign

Option 3: Full service
Some providers take care of everything: application, authorisation, putting up, taking down.

Cost: about 150–300 € all in

Avoid common mistakes

Put up signs without approval?

Prohibited! Anyone who puts up no-stopping signs without approval commits an administrative offence.

Possible consequences:

• Fine
• Signs will be removed
• You will be charged the costs of removal
• No legal basis for towing

Summary

Sources

• StVO § 45 – Traffic authority orders (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• VwV-StVO on § 45 – Administrative regulations (verwaltungsvorschriften-im-internet.de)
• ADAC – No-stopping zone for a move (adac.de)