As of: February 21, 2024, 6:00 a.m
By: Anne Hund
Comments
Press
Split
If you park your car in a private supermarket parking lot, you should, last but not least, keep a close eye on the maximum parking time.
If you forget to put a parking disc in your car or buy a parking ticket, you risk being asked to pay at some supermarkets.
The required sum is often higher than the usual rates for public transport, reports the Lower Saxony Consumer Center in a statement (as of February 15th).
In order to prevent customer parking spaces from being occupied by “non-customers”, more and more supermarkets are commissioning private companies to carry out inspections.
“In the event of parking violations, up to 30 euros will quickly be due,” says the message.
Or sometimes even more.
The consumer advice center explains the conditions under which a parking contract is concluded.
Pay close attention to the signs in the supermarket parking lot
In fact, it is also possible to conclude a contract without a signature, explains the consumer advice center.
Anyone who parks their car in a customer parking space concludes a contract with the operator.
Its terms of use would apply, which often also provide for contractual penalties for parking violations.
“However, the basic requirement for legal enforcement is that the conditions and possible consequences of violations are clearly pointed out, for example through signs in the parking lot,” emphasizes Tim-Oliver Tettinger, legal expert at the Lower Saxony Consumer Center.
If this is the case, consumers often have to pay the claim, the consumer advice center admits.
A sign in a supermarket parking lot indicates the maximum parking time - and also the costs of a violation.
(Symbolic image) © IMAGO/Horst Galuschka
The signage in the parking lot must clearly show what violations cost, as the ADAC explains on its website.
“The courts prioritize visibility
“But the signage usually doesn’t require any major requirements,” the article on ADAC.de
continues
.
If you park your car in the parking lot, you should look for the relevant signs and read them, according to the automobile club.
“The content of the signs and the posted terms and conditions become part of the contract.”
Do not ignore demands and, if necessary, contradict them in writing
Consumer advocates also emphasize that the sums claimed are not automatically inadmissible.
The basic rule is that the penalty must be proportionate to the parking violation.
If in doubt, a court could check this.
For example, hidden notices, unclear conditions or signs overgrown by bushes could be a reason to object to the payment request, according to the Lower Saxony Consumer Center.
My news
Motorcycle with a yellow scarf on the side of the road: what does that mean? read
Middle lane sneakers have to pay: Anyone who blocks the middle lane of the motorway is committing an administrative offense
Ola Källenius questions the end of combustion engines from 2035: “Maybe there was a bit too much optimism” read
“Coal burned”: Dortmund tuner JP Kraemer talks about the loss in value of his Porsche Taycanlesen
Mysterious traffic signs: Ten signs whose meaning is not clear to everyone
Taxi: Red lights in the sign indicate danger
You can find even more exciting car topics in the free newsletter from our partner 24auto.de.
Anyone who receives a payment request should check it immediately.
If it is justified, it should also be paid on time to avoid high collection costs, according to consumer advocates.
If you want to object, you should do so in writing, advises Tim-Oliver Tettinger, “and, if necessary, use photos to prove that the terms of use were not adequately pointed out.”
In cases of doubt, it is also worth trying to ask for an accommodating solution, as the message continues.
Ultimately, “supermarkets should also have an interest in not scaring away their customers,” according to the Lower Saxony Consumer Center.
The new WhatsApp channel from 24auto.de is here!
Current news, useful tips & tricks as well as strange stories from the internet about cars can be found on our Whatsapp channel: Click here to go directly to
Automania
.
For drivers who frequently use a parking disc, an electronic version can be a practical alternative.