A no-stopping zone (Halteverbot) for moving costs a minimum of € 21 and takes an average of 4 weeks for approval. Signs must be posted 72 hours before they take effect. Plan at least 6 weeks from application to moving day. This guide explains all the steps for your stress-free move in Berlin.
When Necessary
You need a no-stopping zone for your move when there are no free parking spaces in front of your building. The Road Traffic Authority (Straßenverkehrsbehörde) only approves no-stopping zones when there's a specific need for the moving day.
A no-stopping zone is worth it in these situations:
- Moving truck can't park directly in front of the door
- Street is normally completely full of parked cars
- Move is happening on a weekend or holiday
- You're moving to a busy traffic area
- Multiple trips with the moving truck are needed
Without a no-stopping zone, you risk delays and extra costs. The moving truck might have to park far away. This means longer walking distances and more working time for the movers.
The alternative is moving very early in the morning when parking spaces are often still available. But this doesn't work reliably in all Berlin neighborhoods.
Tip: Apply for no-stopping zones at both addresses - old and new apartment. This guarantees you a parking spot for the truck at both locations.
Timing
You apply for a no-stopping zone with your district's Road Traffic Authority. The minimum fee is € 21. Processing takes an average of 4 weeks.
A) Online Form via Berlin Service Portal
- Open the online form on the Service Portal website
- Create a proper traffic sign plan (not a simple sketch)
- Enter time period and reason "moving"
- Submit documents electronically through the form
B) PDF Form via Email or Post
- Download PDF form from your district's website
- Create a proper traffic sign plan
- Enter time period and reason "moving"
- Send via email or post to the Road Traffic Authority
Important deadlines for your move:
- Submit application at least 6 weeks before moving day
- Signs must be posted 72 hours before they take effect
- Allow 4 days lead time for sign installation
Processing time varies by district between 3 and 10 weeks. In Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, private applications take up to 10 weeks. Details about sign installation can be found in the Signs Guide.
Legal basis: Approval is granted under § 45 (6) StVO. The authority installs traffic signs 283/286.
Cost Pitfalls
The biggest cost trap with moving no-stopping zones is poor time planning. If you apply too late, the move becomes expensive.
Common cost traps:
- Late application: Move must be postponed, moving company charges cancellation fees
- Incorrect sign installation: Authority rejects, new application costs another € 21
- Signs ordered too late: Construction site safety companies need lead time, express service costs extra
- Incomplete traffic sign plan: Authority requests revisions, processing starts over
The signs cost an additional € 50 to € 150. These costs are in addition to the official fee. You must rent the signs from a construction site safety company.
DIY or service provider? Many people have a company handle the no-stopping zone application. This costs more but saves stress during the already chaotic moving planning. Company applications are usually processed faster than private applications.
A service provider costs between € 80 and € 200 total. They handle the application, traffic sign plan, sign ordering, and installation. You have no organizational effort.
Money-saving tip: Only apply for the no-stopping zone for the necessary hours. Each additional hour can increase the fee. For a normal move, 6-8 hours is sufficient.
More details about all costs can be found in the Cost Guide. Back to the No-Stopping Zone Overview.
All information without guarantee. Only the responsible authority provides binding information.
