Apply for No-Stopping Zone in Berlin

Applying for a no-stopping zone (Halteverbot) in Berlin costs a minimum of € 21 and takes an average of 4 weeks to process. You can submit your application online or using a PDF form. Your district's Road Traffic Authority (Straßenverkehrsbehörde) handles the traffic order. Here's everything you need to know about the steps, requirements, and important deadlines.

You don't need special qualifications to apply for a no-stopping zone. Any resident can submit an application to the responsible Road Traffic Authority. The minimum fee is € 21.

Basic requirements for your application:

1. Legitimate interest (e.g., moving, construction work, event)
2. Traffic sign plan with measurements
3. Exact timeframe for validity period
4. Justification for why the no-stopping zone is necessary

The Road Traffic Authority reviews each application individually. They must balance public interest against your private interest. Moving house or construction work are usually sufficient reasons.

Important restrictions:

• No no-stopping zones in front of schools during school hours
• Cannot block bus stops or disabled parking spaces
• Minimum 5-meter distance from intersections and driveways
• Must consider resident parking spaces

The authority can reject your application or request changes. You'll receive written notification with reasons for any rejection. The fee is only charged if your application is approved.

Business applications are usually processed faster than private applications. Commercial applicants often have more experience with the forms and make fewer mistakes.

You have two official ways to submit your application in Berlin. Both go to the same Road Traffic Authority in your district. Processing time is the same for both options.

A) Online form via Berlin Service Portal

The online form is the most modern way to submit your application. You can upload all documents digitally and track your application status.

Steps for online application:

1. Open the online form
2. Enter personal details and contact information
3. Upload traffic sign plan as PDF or image file
4. Specify timeframe and exact hours for the no-stopping zone
5. Describe your justification in detail
6. Submit application digitally

B) PDF form via email or post

The PDF form works well if you prefer the traditional approach. You can print it and send by post, or scan and email it.

Steps for PDF application:

1. Download the PDF form
2. Fill out the form on your computer or print and complete by hand
3. Prepare traffic sign plan as separate attachment
4. Provide detailed timeframe and justification
5. Email to the Road Traffic Authority or send by post

Creating your traffic sign plan:

The plan must be to scale and show all relevant street elements. Draw in house numbers, driveways, other traffic signs, and your desired no-stopping zone. A simple hand sketch isn't sufficient.

Many applicants use Google Maps as a base and draw the zone using image editing software. Measurements must be given in meters.

The legal basis for no-stopping zones is § 45 (6) StVO. The authority only issues the traffic order - you must rent the traffic signs separately from a construction safety company.

Processing time averages 4 weeks in Berlin. You should submit your application at least 6 weeks before your moving date. The minimum lead time for putting up signs is 72 hours.

Important deadlines overview:

• Application submission: at least 6 weeks before desired date
• Processing time: average 4 weeks
• Sign installation: 72 hours before validity
• Permit duration: usually 1-3 days

The 72-hour rule is legally required. Signs must be installed 72 hours before they become valid. It's best to put signs up 4 days in advance.

Processing times by district:

Duration varies by district and workload. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf processes business applications in 1 week. Pankow and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg often need 6-8 weeks for private applications.

Lichtenberg usually manages processing in 3 weeks. Neukölln, Spandau and Marzahn-Hellersdorf average 3-4 weeks. Find more details in our district comparison.

What happens after approval:

You'll receive the order by post or email. This contains exact times and positions for the signs. You cannot put up signs without this official order.

You must rent the signs yourself from a construction safety company. The Road Traffic Authority doesn't provide signs. Budget an additional € 50-150 for sign rental.

If processing is delayed, you can call to follow up. Contact details are on your district's website or in our cost guide.

Many applications get rejected or delayed due to avoidable mistakes. The most common problems occur with traffic sign plans and incomplete information. A rejection often means weeks of additional delay.

Most common application mistakes:

1. Inaccurate or missing traffic sign plan without measurements
2. Too short lead time (less than 6 weeks before desired date)
3. Incomplete justification without specific reason
4. Wrong time specifications or unrealistic duration
5. Blocking important traffic routes without alternatives
6. Missing contact details or illegible handwriting

Avoiding traffic sign plan mistakes:

The plan must show all house numbers, driveways, and existing traffic signs. Measure your desired zone accurately and specify the length in meters. A rough sketch without measurements will be rejected.

Also draw in trees, streetlights, and other obstacles. The authority needs to check whether signs can be installed there. Don't forget the arrow direction for the no-stopping zone.

Getting timing right:

Don't apply for the no-stopping zone for entire days if you don't need it. "From 8:00 to 18:00" is better than "all day." Residents are less affected and approval is more likely.

Plan buffer time. If you're moving on Saturday, apply for the no-stopping zone from Friday 18:00 to Sunday 20:00. This gives you time for moving delays.

DIY vs. service provider:

Many private individuals make mistakes on their first application. Moving companies and service providers know the requirements exactly and usually submit error-free applications. Business applications are generally processed faster.

A service provider costs € 50-150 extra but can save time and stress. For complex situations or tight deadlines, professional help is often cheaper than a rejected application.

What to do if rejected:

You can file an objection or submit a new application with changes. The objection is free but takes additional weeks. Often a new application with a smaller zone or different times is more successful.

Find details about sign installation in the sign guide. Return to the no-stopping zone overview for more information.

All information without guarantee. Only the responsible authority can provide binding information.