As of: February 26, 2024, 3:30 p.m
By: David Holzner
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You want to buy a parking ticket, but the machine is broken.
In order not to receive a penalty, you should keep a few things in mind.
You may even be able to park for free.
German drivers are said to spend around 41 hours a year looking for a parking space.
At least that's what a study by traffic analysis provider Inrix found in 2017. Parking spaces are in high demand, especially in inner cities.
Once a gap has finally been found, the next problem: the parking machine goes on strike.
The coins slip directly through the slot or the device is not in operation at all.
A parking ticket cannot therefore be redeemed.
But does that mean you can park for free?
Under certain circumstances, yes.
But there are a few things to consider.
Parking machine not working: Can you park for free?
If a parking ticket machine goes on strike, you may be able to park freely.
(Symbolic image) © Funke Photo Services/IMAGO
If the parking machine is defective, you can resort to an alternative: the parking disc.
According to Section 13 of the Road Traffic Act (StVO), your car can be parked for up to the specified maximum parking time, provided that a parking disc is installed.
It is important to ensure that the parking disc is set correctly.
In addition, the parking disc must meet legal standards.
It must be blue and white, eleven centimeters wide and 15 centimeters high.
According to
the ADAC
, a self-written note under the windshield is not enough to avoid a ticket.
There is a risk of a warning fine of ten euros.
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But before you set your parking disc and leave your car behind with a clear conscience, you need to check something else.
In many parking zones there is usually more than just one parking machine.
If there is another parking meter in the immediate vicinity, you are obliged to use it.
According to
the ADAC,
the 150 meter rule applies.
The person parking is obliged to look for other parking machines within a 150 meter radius.
Attention: The 150 meter rule is just a guideline.
When it comes to fine proceedings, the situation can be assessed differently.
Parking machine doesn't take coins: Is the parking disc enough?
But what if the parking machine works but doesn't want to swallow your coins?
You have the change ready, but it always ends up in the spending slot.
Rubbing and rubbing the coins on the metal doesn't work either.
Can you also use the parking disc in this case?
First you should look around again.
If there is another parking meter nearby, this must be used.
If this doesn't work either, it may be because of your change.
Some coins are slightly different from the norm and are therefore undetectable by the machine.
But what if you don't have any other change with you?
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In a court ruling from the Hamm Higher Regional Court in 2005, the judge ruled against the driver in such a case.
The judge said at the time that the fact that individual coins were not accepted was within the parker's risk.
This means that the driver would have had to make sure he had enough change himself.
Here too, the decision on the fine procedures can vary.
Broken parking machines: What alternatives are there?
To avoid the problem of defective parking machines, there are a few options that work without any change.
Digital alternatives to parking machines are available in more and more parking spaces.
Pay via parking app.
An app is downloaded onto your smartphone and you register with the car's license plate.
In most apps you can select the parking zones, the time spent parked is then measured and then billed in the app at the end.
These applications have the advantage that the parking time is billed to the minute.
The app also reminds you of the expiring parking time and can be extended via your smartphone if necessary.
However, the ADAC also points out a disadvantage.
There is no app that allows you to park reliably throughout Germany.
Anyone who travels a lot needs a variety of apps.
However, if a parking app does not work, you cannot access the parking disc directly.
In this case, the parking machine must be used.
Despite having a parking app on your phone, it is advisable to always have a little change with you.
There is also an alternative to the classic parking disc.
However, electronic parking discs are not permitted everywhere.