Am I allowed to park on the pavement?
No, generally not. So-called kerb parking — two wheels on the pavement — is generally banned. It is only allowed where traffic sign 315 (or a marking) expressly permits it. Since the Federal Administrative Court ruling of 6 June 2024 (3 C 5.23), residents whose pavement is seriously impaired can even demand that the authority steps in. Fine: €55, or €70 and a point if you obstruct others.
📋 The rules
- Kerb parking (wheels on the pavement) is generally banned
- Allowed only with traffic sign 315 or a corresponding road marking
- Even then, pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams must keep enough space
- Pavements are for pedestrians — even brief stopping can be unlawful
- Since the 2024 ruling, residents can demand official enforcement (pavement in front of their own property up to the next side street)
🔓 Exceptions
- Sign 315 / marking: pavement parking allowed to the extent shown
- Where allowed, park so the remaining pavement stays usable (usually ≥1.5 m)
- Brief loading/unloading may be locally tolerated — safe stopping assumed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Unlawful pavement parking costs €55; obstructing someone costs €70 and one point in Flensburg. Prolonged or repeated bad parking can be towed (owner pays). After the 2024 ruling, cities must act against pavement parkers where residents are seriously impaired.
📎 Official sources
- Bußgeldkatalog · parking on the pavement →
- LTO · Federal Administrative Court ruling 3 C 5.23 →
- § 12 road traffic act · stopping & parking →
❓ Frequently asked
Is parking on the pavement banned in general?
Yes. Kerb parking on the pavement is generally banned and only allowed where sign 315 or a marking expressly permits it. Without such a sign you risk a fine.
What does pavement parking cost?
€55 without obstruction, €70 plus a point in Flensburg if others are obstructed. For prolonged or repeated breaches the vehicle can be towed at your expense.
Can I as a resident act against bad parkers?
Yes. The Federal Administrative Court ruled in 2024 that residents can demand the authority step in where the pavement in front of their property is seriously impaired by parked cars — limited to the area up to the next side street.
Can I park half on the pavement?
Only if it is signposted. Without sign 315, half-kerb parking is also unlawful. Where allowed, you must leave enough room for pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams.
Can I stop briefly on the pavement to load?
This is sometimes locally tolerated but legally risky. Only stopping where it isn't banned and pedestrians aren't endangered is safe — otherwise a fine and towing are possible.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “park on pavement allowed germany”
- “kerb parking sign 315 allowed”
- “fine pavement parking point”
- “federal court ruling pavement parking 2024”
- “resident act against bad parkers”
- “half on pavement parking”