All about the parking permit for severely disabled persons
You can only park in a disabled parking space with the appropriate permit - that's clear. But do you know what other possibilities a blue (EU-wide valid) disabled parking permit opens up for you? We explain what special parking rights the parking permit gives you, but also what you are not allowed to do with it.
Provided that there is no other parking possibility within a reasonable distance, you may also park your vehicle outside the designated disabled parking spaces if you display the blue disabled parking permit clearly visible behind the windshield.
Restricted stopping ban / zone stopping ban
You may park for up to three hours in a restricted no-parking zone (sign 286 StVO) and in a no-parking zone (sign 290 StVO). If parking is permitted in a no-parking zone (sign 290 StVO) (e.g. "Parking in marked areas"), you may exceed the permitted parking time. The maximum permitted parking time is 24 hours.
Parking spaces and parking space management zones
If there is a time limit on parking spaces (marked with sign 314 StVO), in "parking space management zones" (sign 314.1 StVO) or in places where parking on footpaths is permitted (sign 315 StVO), you may park your vehicle for up to 24 hours beyond the permitted time.
Pedestrian zone
With a blue parking permit, you are allowed to park in the pedestrian zone (sign 242 StVO) during loading times. However, you are not allowed to drive in the pedestrian zone outside of loading times unless you have a supplementary exemption permit.
Parking meters and parking ticket machines
You may park free of charge at these locations without a time limit. The maximum permitted parking time is 24 hours. Residents' parking districts: You may park your vehicle for up to 3 hours in parking spaces reserved for residents of urban districts with special parking permits.
Traffic-calmed areas
In traffic-calmed areas (marked with sign 325 StVO), you may also park outside the marked areas - but only if you are not obstructing through traffic. The maximum permitted parking time is 24 hours.
Absolute ban on stopping
In areas marked with sign 283, the disabled parking permit does not grant any special parking rights.
Sidewalks
You are also not allowed to park your vehicle with a blue parking permit on footpaths where parking is not permitted by a traffic sign. Otherwise, the provisions of the StVO apply.
Who can use the blue disabled parking permit?
First and foremost, of course, the holders of blue parking permits. However, relatives, transport services and cab drivers may also use the permits, provided they transport the parking permit holder - e.g. to the doctor or home.
Who may not make use of the special parking rights?
Relatives etc. may NOT use the permit if, for example, they are doing the shopping or running errands for the permit holder or visiting them, as the parking permit only grants special rights when the permit holder is being transported.
What are the consequences of the unjustified use of another person's parking permit?
Misuse of an ID card can result in severe penalties. The parking permit must then be confiscated and a misdemeanor charge under § 49 StVO or even a criminal charge for misuse of identity documents (§ 281 StGB) may result.
In your own interest, therefore, please always ensure that you only make use of special parking rights if you need to.