Rules in car parks

Tips and rules in the multi-storey car park

Narrow paths, hardly any room to manoeuvre and poor orientation - multi-storey car parks are still stressful for some drivers, even after years. Steep entrances, very narrow paths up and down as well as narrow parking spaces and countless pillars are something we regularly encounter when looking for the right parking space. How do you behave in multi-storey car parks? Do you know the applicable traffic rules? We reveal a few tips and tricks that will help you drive into multi-storey car parks in a more relaxed manner in the future.

Road traffic regulations in multi-storey car parks?

Yes, the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) apply in multi-storey car parks, regardless of whether there is a sign in the entrance area or not. In such a parking facility, you must expect not only other vehicles, but also pedestrians. The very narrow paths demand increased caution and attentiveness.

But are there any applicable rules? In particular, § 1 StVO "Participation in road traffic requires constant caution and mutual consideration" must be observed here. Nobody wants to be inconvenienced, obstructed or endangered in traffic, so it is advisable to behave in the same way. Avoid tailgating, abrupt braking and high speeds. Especially in multi-storey car parks, you should drive at walking speed at best and be ready to brake at all times. The well-known "right before left" right of way rule must also be observed here, as long as the lane is not used for search traffic.

Who may park first?

We know enough about towels on beach loungers; meanwhile, some citizens even try to reserve parking spaces in multi-storey car parks for themselves. Perhaps the multi-storey car park is the starting point for a meeting or your family would like to park next to each other.

However, this is not permitted. As so often in life, the same applies here: Whoever reaches the coveted parking space first may park there. This rule also applies if you have to back up to park. Give the person time and space to park in peace. Nothing is worse than having jostling vehicles behind or beside you while you are trying to park.