If you are planning to purchase a trailer, you should consider in advance where you will park your trailer if it is not going to be used for a longer period of time. Because parking a trailer permanently is not permitted everywhere. In this article we inform you where you may park your trailer and give you an overview of the legal regulations.
How long and where can I park my trailer?
How long a trailer may be parked depends primarily on where it is being parked and whether the trailer combination or only the trailer is being parked:
Parking the trailer in public parking spaces or on the street
Parking trailers in public spaces is regulated by the Road Traffic Act (StVO). A distinction is made between parking with and without a towing vehicle: If the trailer is parked in a car park or on the road without a towing vehicle, § 12 Abs. 3b StVO applies. According to this, the trailer without towing vehicle may not be parked in the same place for longer than two weeks. The trailer must therefore be moved from time to time. This variant is therefore particularly suitable as a short-term parking option. An exception applies if the parking space is marked with appropriate signs, whereby the permanent parking of trailers or caravans may be permitted.
Different regulations apply to the parking of the entire combination. In this case, there is no time limit for parking. The only requirement is that the trailer is connected to the towing vehicle while parked.
Parking the trailer permanently on private land or parking spaces
If you want to park your trailer in a residential area for a long time, it is recommended that you look for a suitable parking space. The simplest solution is to park the trailer on your own property, if there is enough space. In this case, the trailer can be parked there permanently. The same applies if permission has been granted by the owner of the property. Otherwise, a rented parking space in designated areas is a good alternative to park the trailer safely.
What should be considered when parking the trailer?
There are a few things to consider when parking a trailer on public roads. Basically, parking your trailer on public roads is only allowed if it does not impede road safety. It is important to ensure that the trailer or combination does not overhang the parking area to leave enough space for other road users. In addition, the drawbar should point in the direction of travel to minimise the risk of injury, especially to two-wheelers. Another important measure is to secure the trailer against rolling away. For this purpose, the parking brake should be applied and it is advisable to place wedges in front of and behind the wheels.
What are the special regulations for parking trailers?
In addition to parking a regular trailer, there are a few special cases that must be taken into consideration. If you have a large trailer with a permissible total weight of more than two tonnes, § 12 Abs. 3a StVO. applies. This regulation prohibits regular parking within built-up areas; in residential areas, in special areas used for recreation, in spa areas and in hospital areas between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. as well as on Sundays and public holidays. A further exception applies to the parking of a trailer in public space if it is used exclusively for advertising purposes. In this case, a special use permit must usually be acquired. You can find out more about this in our article on trailer advertising. If you want to park your trailer in one place for permanent living, for example a Tiny House on wheels, you usually need a building permit for this. You can find more information in the article Tiny House trailer.
What are the penalties for parking violations with a trailer?
While a passenger car is normally allowed to stay in the same place for a longer period of time in public car parks, this does not apply to trailers without a towing vehicle. If the trailer is not reparked or removed within two weeks, a fine of 20 euros is usually incurred. Regular re-parking is also not a solution, because anyone who constantly re-parks their trailer also risks a fine. If a trailer with a total weight of more than two tonnes is regularly parked in special areas despite a ban, a fine of 30 euros must be expected.
Summary: Before buying a trailer, it is important to find out where it can be parked. For long-term parking, a parking space on your own property or a rented parking space is suitable. If the trailer is to be parked for a short period of up to two weeks, a public car park is suitable. It should be noted that different regulations apply depending on the location and whether the trailer is parked with or without a towing vehicle.