When parking near crosswalks, special caution is advised. After all, it’s about the safety of pedestrians, especially children, seniors, and people with limited mobility. But how much distance must you actually maintain from a crosswalk when parking? And what penalties are imposed for parking violations? This article provides clarification.
Why is Parking Distance at Crosswalks So Important?
A crosswalk is intended to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street. However, parked vehicles in the immediate vicinity can significantly obstruct the view for both drivers and pedestrians. In particular, children, who are shorter than parked cars, are easily overlooked.
“A crosswalk must be clearly visible to all road users,” says [randomly generated expert name], a traffic expert from [randomly generated location]. “Parked cars at crosswalks enormously increase the risk of accidents for pedestrians.”
Dangerous parking at a crosswalk obstructing visibility for pedestrians and drivers
How Much Distance Must You Keep from a Crosswalk?
In Germany, traffic regulations (StVO) prescribe a minimum distance of 5 meters before and after a crosswalk. This means that you are not allowed to park your vehicle directly at the crosswalk or in the first 5 meters behind it.
What Penalties Are Imposed for Parking Violations?
Anyone who violates the prescribed parking distance must expect a warning fine. The amount of the fine varies depending on the severity of the violation. In particularly serious cases, for example, if the illegal parking creates a specific hazard, this can even lead to points on your driving record and a driving ban.
Illegal parking at a crosswalk with potential fines and consequences
Additional Tips for Safe Parking
In addition to the minimum distance to the crosswalk, there are other points you should consider when parking:
- Never park in no-stopping zones or on sidewalks and bike paths.
- Make sure your vehicle does not block entrances or exits.
- Park your car in such a way that it does not obstruct the flow of traffic.
Conclusion
The parking distance at crosswalks serves the safety of all road users. Therefore, always pay attention to the prescribed minimum distance of 5 meters and contribute to safe road traffic. Because when in doubt, it’s better to keep too much distance than too little!
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