Parking discs in Germany

A vital component of German parking regulations is the parking disc. Despite its small size, the tool plays a pivotal role in enforcing short-term parking rules across the country.

The concept of the parking disc (also called clock-disc) first emerged in Paris in the 1950s. Several years later, the device was introduced in Kassel, Germany. The German government considered it an effective tool to put an end to long-term on-street parking. More importantly, parking discs were much less expensive than parking meters. By 1979, unified parking disc regulations were established across the EU (+ Switzerland).

Contrary to popular belief, the blue cardboard or plastic card with an adjustable time dial isn't the only type of parking disc out there!

So what exactly is the German parking disc, when do I need one, and where do I buy one?

Photo from elasto.de

When do I need a parking disc?

First off, the parking disc allows you to park for free for a certain amount of time when indicated by the relevant traffic sign.

Picture from allianz-autowelt.de. It reads: “residents with a parking permit are allowed to park for free; drivers without a resident parking permit must use a parking disc and may park in this spot for a maximum of two hours from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Outside these times, parking is permitted there for an unlimited period of time and without a parking disc.”

Secondly, a parking disc is required if the nearest parking meter or pay-and-display ticket machine is out of order.

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Many areas only require a ticket during certain times so check the signs or schedule on the machine. In many cases, the machines will simply shut down when tickets are not required for parking anymore. Tip: If the nearest voucher machine is out of order, you should try to find another one close by — e.g. at the other end of the block or around the corner.

Thirdly, a parking disc is required if the signs listed below are fitted with a supplementary sign specifying the permitted parking duration:

No-waiting zones (signs #290.1 and #290.2)
Zones with parking regulations, e.g. pay-and-display (signs #314.1 and #314.2)
Underneath signs #314 (parking) and #315 (parking on sidewalks):

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Types of parking discs

Parking discs must meet German Road Traffic Regulation (StVO) requirements. You can choose between a paper disc and an electronic device. Each has its pros and cons.

The paper/cardboard parking disc doesn't need battery replacement. However, many drivers tend to forget to set the arrival time (see section How do I properly use a parking disc? below.)

That's not the case with electronic parking discs because once your vehicle is parked, the disc automatically starts the clock.

Paper parking discs

Must measure 110 × 150 millimeters (4.3 × 5.9 in.)
Must be made out of blue cardboard or plastic card with a white adjustable time dial (thumb wheel).
The time dial must contain markings for full hours and half-hours.
The font should be identical to the one used on all other road signs (DIN 1451).

Where do I buy a paper parking disc?

You can obtain paper/cardboard parking discs for free or for a small fee from many news stands, tobacconists, DIY stores, gas stations, and police stations.

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You can also print one yourself → download this PDF. When you do, make sure to print it in A4 so that the cut out disc has the required size. Keep in mind that the only allowed color for a parking disc is blue, in accordance with the DIN 6171 standard for "Colors for Road Signs." All other colors and shades of blue are not permissible. This lady found out the hard way.

A preview of the DYI parking disc mentioned above. You can print one from this PDF but make sure it's printed on an A4 page.

Electronic parking discs

Must have the official type approval (ECE-Genehmigung Nr. 10 R - 047203)
Should feature the road sign #314 (🅿️) on the front.
The arrival time must be clearly displayed in a 24-hour format
The clock must be at least 2 cm (0.78 in) in height and legible from outside the vehicle.
The clock should start running within 30 minutes after the vehicle is parked.

Photo from smartasaker.com

Where do I buy an electronic parking disc?

Electronic parking discs are sold at gas stations, automotive supply stores, auto repair shops, through spare parts dealers, and of course online.

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If you're looking to buy an electronic parking disc, consult the comparison sites vergleich.org or idealo.de. The prices range between €20 and €80.

How do I properly use a parking disc?

When arriving at a parking spot requiring parking disc, set the parking disc and place it behind the front windshield (or under the windshield wipers if you drive a motorcycle/ATV.)

To correctly set the parking disc, round the time of your arrival at the parking spot (Ankunftszeit) to the nearest half-hour.

If you parked at 14:03, set the parking disc to 14:30. If you arrived at 14:31, set it to 15:00.

The large white arrow on the disc should always point to the respective full or half hour. If you're a perfectionist and attempt to set the arrival time between two time markings, you risk being fined!

What happens if I don't have a valid parking disc?

As with many things in Germany, parking discs mostly work on a basis of trust, but spot checks are still carried out by parking enforcement officers.
As a matter of fact, the parking disc is considered a road sign in Germany so you may be fined as if you “did ignore a road sign.”
Hand-drawn time-of-arrival notes do not replace proper parking discs.
If you adjust the time dial during your parking session, your parking session is deemed as finished. Important: driving a few inches back and forth does not constitute a “new parking process.” But driving around the block would! The idea here is to give other drivers a realistic chance of finding a parking spot.
If you set the parking disc in wintery weather conditions and your car gets covered in snow, don't worry about the disc not being visible. If your arrival time can't be checked, you won't be fined as it's not your fault.