Stationary and parked vehicles

Your vehicle is considered stationary when you stop to let someone get in or out.

There is no fixed time limit: it may involve just one passenger, or several, for example when a bus is picking up or dropping off passengers.

Your vehicle is also considered stationary when you stop to load or unload goods.

Again, there is no fixed time limit: it may involve just one suitcase, but it can also take much longer, for example when moving house.

Your vehicle is considered parked as soon as you remain stationary after all passengers have got in or out, or after you have finished loading or unloading goods.

For example, if you stop to set your GPS, this also counts as parking. It makes no difference whether you remain behind the wheel or leave the engine running.

A vehicle is stopped when you have to wait temporarily because of traffic, for example at a red traffic light, in a traffic jam or because you have to give way.

You are still taking part in traffic and continue driving as soon as it is possible to do so.

A vehicle is immobilised when it can no longer take part in traffic because of a breakdown, an accident or an order given by an authorised person. This happens for reasons beyond your control.

If your car is immobilised due to a breakdown and can no longer be driven, it may remain on the public road for no more than 24 hours.

A trailer may also remain on the public road for no more than 24 hours.

Advertising vehicles may remain on the public road for no more than 3 hours.

You must not offer vehicles for sale or rent on the public road.

Before opening the door, check carefully that no traffic is approaching from behind, paying particular attention to cyclists.

Then get out facing the rear of the car. Walk around the back of your car, so that you always have a clear view of approaching traffic.

When you want to get back in, walk around the front of your car so that you again have a clear view of approaching traffic.