Simple method to avoid parking tickets fines in Germany. How tourists use garages & parking machines

Parking in Germany:
Parking is a major issue for tourists with cars in Germany. Finding a parking spot can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you navigate parking:
Use Paid Parking: It's often easiest to use paid parking in garages (Parkhäuser) and lots (Parkplätze). These places are usually well-marked with clear pricing.
Pay Attention to Parking Signs: Parking signs in Germany are very specific. Look for signs that indicate where you can and cannot park, as well as any restrictions like resident-only or time-limited parking.
Parking Apps: In big cities, use apps like Parkopedia, ParkMe, and EasyPark to find available parking spots and compare prices.
Parking Discs (Parkscheibe): In some areas, you need a parking disc to park for a limited time. You can buy these discs in many stores. Set the disc to show your arrival time and place it on your dashboard.
Parking Meters (Parkscheinautomat): In many areas, you need to buy a parking ticket from a machine and display it on your dashboard. These machines usually accept coins and sometimes credit cards.
Park & Ride: In larger cities, consider using Park & Ride facilities. Park your car on the outskirts and use public transportation to get into the city center.
Follow Regulations: Illegal parking can lead to fines or your car being towed. Pay special attention to no-parking signs (Parkverbot) and other restrictions.
Common Parking Violations and Fines
Parking Without a Ticket (Pay-and-Display Zones)
Up to 30 minutes: EURO 10
30 minutes to 1 hour: EURO 15
1 to 2 hours: EURO 20
Over 2 hours: EURO 25
Exceeding Allowed Parking Time (Time-Limited Zones)
Up to 30 minutes: EURO 10
30 minutes to 1 hour: EURO 15
1 to 2 hours: EURO 20
Over 2 hours: EURO 25
Parking in No-Parking Zones (Parkverbot)
Up to 1 hour: EURO 20
Over 1 hour: EURO 30
Obstructing traffic: EURO 35
Causing a hazard: EURO 55
Blocking emergency vehicles: EURO 100 and a point in Flensburg (traffic violation registry)
Parking on Sidewalks or Pedestrian Zones
Up to 1 hour: EURO 20
Over 1 hour: EURO 30
Parking in a Disabled Parking Spot Without Authorization
Fine: EURO 55
Parking in Front of Fire Hydrants, Driveways, or Entrances
Fine: EURO 55
Double Parking (Parallel Next to Another Parked Car)
Fine: EURO 55
Parking in Bus Lanes or Taxi Ranks
Fine: EURO 55
Parking in Environmental Zones Without Proper Emission Sticker
Fine: EURO 80
Parking in a Reserved Resident Area Without a Permit
Fine: EURO 10 to EURO 30
Paying a Parking Ticket
On the Spot: If you get a ticket while you are present, you might be able to pay directly to the issuing officer.
Bank Transfer: Most tickets come with instructions for paying via bank transfer. Include the ticket number and other details to avoid confusion.
Online Payment: Some places offer online payment options. Check the ticket for instructions.
Deadline: Pay the fine within the stipulated time (usually 1 to 2 weeks) to avoid additional charges or legal actions.

[@SaschaBielicke]

The parkingspace for women are not only for pregnant women. They used to be next to the entrances, are well illuminated and should give women a better feeling of protection.

[@sjumpers]

Thank you for the clarification! I appreciate you providing more context about the parking spaces for women. While I understand the intention behind them, it does seem a bit unusual because safety should be a priority for everyone, not just women. Perhaps it would be more effective to allocate resources towards prosecuting those who commit crimes against women, rather than creating separate parking spaces.

[@SaschaBielicke]

@@sjumpers thanks for the nice response. Hope you and your family are doing well.
There are three things I have in mind thinking about your mentions:
1. Womenparking spaces are mostly offered from private companies. So there is no law prohibiting men to park there. Same for family parking. And there's no law that company have to provide this spaces.
2. Putting some paint on the ground costs more or less nothing comparing to a guard patrolling the area for those times the parkhouse is mostly empty in the morning or evening.
3. There aren't as many assaults as you may think. It's not really to prevent them to happen. It's more about give people a good feeling and less fear.
Just my two cents - I'm no expert - just a german guy in the internet :D

[@sjumpers]

Thank you for your detailed response and kind wishes!
It helps in understanding the flexibility around Womenparking spaces usage. :)
Now we understand that the main goal is to provide a sense of safety and comfort, even if the actual risk of assaults is low.
Thank you for sharing!