The three-minute regulation pertaining to restricted parking areas.
Stepping out of the car for a brief moment in a zone labeled as no parking, is that acceptable? It depends: Is it stopping or parking, that's the question.
DEKRA testing organization informs us that if you abandon your vehicle for more than three minutes, you're essentially parking it. Parking is forbidden in zones marked with a round sign displaying a red bar over a blue background, indicating a restricted no-parking zone.
Various locations, such as intersections, entrances, and areas with lowered curbs, pedestrian crossings, and bus stops, are frequently subject to general no-parking zones. Those who stop their vehicle in such areas should be aware that stopping can quickly transition into parking.
In essence, dropping off someone or unloading cargo is permissible for a maximum of three minutes at such spots, as long as the duration does not surpass this limit. However, if you park at the bakery and dash into the store, you've effectively "left" your vehicle because it's no longer within your direct line of sight. As a result, you may not drive it away immediately, which is not allowed, even if the stop for buying bread lasts less than three minutes.
According to the three-minute rule, staying in a restricted no-parking zone for more than three minutes, even if you remain seated in your vehicle the whole time, is forbidden.
Assisting the disabled might require additional time
The same stipulations apply to parking meters. If you stay at a parking meter for longer than three minutes without procuring a parking ticket, DEKRA advises that legal consequences may arise. Individuals who park in the second row may face fines of up to 110 euros and a point in their Flensburg driving record.
Exception to the three-minute rule: If someone parks in a restricted no-parking zone to aid, for example, a disabled person out of the vehicle, additional time may be necessary, as per DEKRA's guidelines.
Note: Contrarily, absolute no-stopping zones do not permit any temporary disruptions in travel. Absolute no-stopping zones are designated by two red bars intersecting within a round sign.
The DEKRA testing organization classifies abandoning a vehicle for more than three minutes as parking, making it illegal in no-parking zones marked with round signs displaying a red bar over a blue background. If you park at a bakery and quickly run into the store, you've effectively "left" your car, making it illegal to drive away immediately.
According to DEKRA, an exception to the three-minute rule applies if someone parks in a no-parking zone to assist a disabled person, as additional time may be necessary.
