What is the difference between no parking and no stopping?

With no parking you may still stop briefly to wait. With no stopping you may not, only setting down passengers or loading and unloading.

May you let someone out here?

Yes. Setting down and picking up people, and loading and unloading, are allowed as long as you are actively doing it.

How far does the sign apply?

To the next junction, unless a panel gives a distance or direction. It applies only on the side where the sign stands.

No stopping

Parking and stopping

Category: Parking and stopping
Traffic signs: No stopping

This sign means no stopping. You may not park here and you may not wait here either, not even with the engine running or someone in the car. Only setting down or picking up people, and loading or unloading goods, is allowed.

What is and is not allowed

Stopping is prohibited. That is stricter than a parking ban: you may not even wait here briefly.

You may stop to let people in or out and to load or unload goods, as long as you are actively doing so.

How to recognise the sign

The sign is round and blue with a red border and two red diagonal lines crossing it. Two lines means no stopping.

The no-parking sign has only one. Remember it that way: two lines is stricter than one.

Where the prohibition applies

From the sign to the next junction, unless a supplementary panel with an arrow or a distance says otherwise.

It applies only on the side of the road where the sign stands.

On the CBR theory exam

The exam likes to set this sign against the no-parking sign and ask whether you may wait for someone. With two lines the answer is no.

Difference from the no-parking sign

The no-parking sign has one diagonal line and bans parking only: waiting briefly is still allowed there. This sign has two lines and bans that as well.

the no-parking sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between no parking and no stopping?: With no parking you may still stop briefly to wait. With no stopping you may not, only setting down passengers or loading and unloading.
May you let someone out here?: Yes. Setting down and picking up people, and loading and unloading, are allowed as long as you are actively doing it.
How far does the sign apply?: To the next junction, unless a panel gives a distance or direction. It applies only on the side where the sign stands.

Practise this sign for your theory exam

No stopping belongs to the Parking and stopping category. In the CBR theory exam a traffic sign is almost never asked on its own: you are shown a situation and have to know what you may or must do in it. In the free sign trainer you practise the signs by category, with the explanation shown right after every answer.

Practise traffic signs for free

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