Stopping and parking prohibition

The difference between stopping and parking is important to understand. Stopping is a brief stop, while parking means leaving the car or letting it stand for more than two minutes. No-stopping zones are stricter than no-parking zones.

The Difference Between Stopping and Parking

Signs for No-Stopping Zones

• Sign 370 — No stopping at all (red circle with cross)
• Sign 372 — No parking (red circle with diagonal line)

The difference is crucial: Sign 370 prohibits all stopping, while sign 372 only prohibits parking. With sign 372, you can stop briefly for drop-offs and pick-ups. Read more about the signs in overview of prohibition signs and parking and stop signs .

Where Does No-Stopping Apply Without Signs?

Even without a sign, it is prohibited to stop:

• At road intersections and on sidewalks
• In tunnels and on bridges unless there are special bays
• In front of crosswalks and bicycle crossings
• In bus lanes and at bus stops
• Where the car obstructs clear visibility to signs or signals
• Where the car obstructs emergency vehicles

Exceptions to No-Stopping

You can stop briefly even where no-stopping applies if:

• You stop for a red light or other traffic regulation
• You stop to avoid danger
• You stop following instructions from police or road authorities

Duration and Zone

Additional signs under a no-stopping sign can indicate:

• Time period — for example, “07–09” means the prohibition only applies during this time
• Arrow direction — indicates whether the prohibition applies in front, behind, or both ways from the sign
• Zone start and end — no-stopping in an entire area

Fines and Consequences

Breaking a no-stopping rule results in a fine and possibly towing. Fines are higher than for illegal parking because no-stopping exists where stopping constitutes a traffic hazard. Read more about parking rules in parking rules and restrictions .

Further Reading

• Parking rules and restrictions
• Parking and stop signs
• Overview of prohibition signs
• Right of way for buses and trams