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Loading area
Mandatory or prohibitory sign 1. Stopping and parking are permitted only for loading and unloading vehicles. 2. Loading and unloading must be carried out without delay. Explanation The length of the loading area is indicated by the sign placed at the beginning of the section with a horizontal white arrow pointing towards the carriageway and by a sign placed at the end with such an arrow pointing away from the carriageway, or by markings.
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When you see the Zeichen
Stop or park there only if you are actually loading or unloading your vehicle. Begin the process immediately and complete it without avoidable interruptions; otherwise you must keep the loading area clear.
Rules
- Stopping and parking in the marked area are permitted exclusively for loading or unloading vehicles.
- The loading or unloading process must be begun without delay and carried out promptly.
- Merely waiting, taking a shopping break or leaving the vehicle without loading activity is not permitted.
- The beginning and end of the loading area are marked by horizontal white arrows in the sign or by corresponding markings.
Tips
- Before stopping, check whether you really need to load or unload items and can start immediately.
- Pay attention to the arrows: At the beginning, the horizontal white arrow points towards the carriageway; at the end, it points away from the carriageway.
- Prepare goods and documents beforehand wherever possible so that the loading area is not blocked unnecessarily long.
- Once loading or unloading is complete, leave immediately, even if you only want to wait a little longer.
Common misunderstandings
- The sign is confused with Zeichen 314. However, it does not permit general parking; it only permits stopping or parking for loading and unloading.
- Some learner drivers believe that briefly waiting is allowed. Without an actual loading or unloading operation, the loading area may not be used even for just a few minutes.
- The sign is confused with a taxi rank. Zeichen 230 reserves the area for loading activities, not for taxis waiting for passengers.
Exam tip
In exam questions, what often matters is not how long the vehicle remains there, but the purpose of the stay: Even stopping for a very short time is prohibited if no loading or unloading is taking place; a longer stay, on the other hand, may be permitted as long as the necessary loading or unloading operation continues without delay.
Did you know
Zeichen 230 independently and uniformly throughout Germany identifies loading areas. This means that a loading zone does not have to be indicated solely by a combination of Haltverbot and Zusatzzeichen.
Frequently asked questions
May I briefly wait for someone in the loading area?
No. Stopping and parking there are permitted only for loading or unloading vehicles; simply waiting does not qualify.
May I remain stopped for longer than three minutes while unloading?
Yes, if the required unloading is actually taking place and is carried out without avoidable delay. Once it is complete, you must leave the loading area immediately.
May I leave the vehicle while loading or unloading?
This may be permitted if it is necessary for the loading or unloading operation, for example to take items directly to a destination. Other errands or avoidable interruptions are not allowed.
How can I tell how long the loading area is?
It is indicated by beginning and end signs with horizontal white arrows or by road markings. The beginning sign points towards the carriageway, while the end sign points away from the carriageway.
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