How do I set the parking disc correctly?
Set the arrival time, round up to the next half hour. Where a sign with the parking-disc symbol (sign 314 with a supplement) applies, you must use a standard blue parking disc and set the arrival time on it — rounded up to the next half hour (arrive at 10:10, set 10:30). The disc must lie clearly visible behind the windscreen. The permitted maximum parking time is on the sign. Turning it forward while parked (to 'extend' the time) is not allowed.
📋 The rules
- Set only the arrival time, round up to the next half hour
- Use a standard blue parking disc, place it clearly visible
- Observe the maximum parking time on the supplementary sign
- Don't turn it forward to extend the time
- Electronic parking discs are allowed if they meet the standard
🔓 Exceptions
- Outside the times stated on the sign (e.g. at night) a disc is often not needed
- In mixed zones a ticket may also apply — watch the signage
- Residents with a parking permit are partly exempt from the disc duty in their zone
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A missing disc or a wrongly set time usually costs €20; for a clear overstay of the maximum time it rises in steps to about €40. Turning the disc forward while parked risks an offence charge (manipulated parking). In no-stopping or obstruction cases the car can also be towed.
📎 Official sources
- § 13 StVO · Devices for monitoring parking time →
- ADAC · Setting the parking disc correctly →
- Bußgeldkatalog · Parking disc →
❓ Frequently asked
Which time do I set on the parking disc?
The arrival time — rounded up to the next half hour. Arrive at 14:05 and you set 14:30. That gives a little buffer, and the permitted parking time runs from that set time.
Can I turn the disc forward?
No. The disc must show the actual arrival time. Setting it forward while parked to dodge the maximum time isn't allowed and can be penalised as an offence.
Which parking disc is allowed?
A standard blue disc in the prescribed form. Electronic discs are also allowed if they meet the standard. Novelty or advertising discs in other colours may not fulfil the duty.
What does a wrong or missing disc cost?
Usually €20. If you clearly overstay the maximum time, the fine rises in steps to about €40. With obstruction or in a no-stopping zone the car can also be towed.
Do I need the disc at night too?
Only if the sign has no time restriction. Often the disc duty is e.g. 'weekdays 8am–6pm'. Outside those times you don't need a disc — read the supplementary sign carefully.
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