What does a 'Parkering forbudt' sign mean, and how far does it apply?
Where the ban starts and ends, and what counts as parking.
Short answer
A 'Parkering forbudt' sign bans parking from the sign in the direction of travel until the next sign or intersection, unless a plate below says otherwise. Only the shortest possible stop is allowed, to let passengers on or off or to load bulky or heavy goods. Waiting in the car counts as parking.
Why
- Statens vegvesen says parking signs apply mainly in the driving direction from where they are placed until the next sign or intersection.
- An arrow plate under the main sign (plate 828) can change the direction, for example so that the ban applies both ways.
- Parking means any leaving of a vehicle, even if the driver stays in it, except the shortest possible stop for passengers getting on or off or for loading and unloading.
Details
'Shortest possible' sets no number of minutes and covers only the boarding or loading itself: waiting for a passenger, fetching a light parcel or popping into a shop is not allowed. The whole vehicle must be inside the stretch the sign covers. In a car park, one sign at the entrance often covers the whole area, and a zone sign applies until a sign marks the end of the zone, regardless of intersections.
Tip
If there is a plate with times under the sign, read it closely: as the City of Oslo explains, black numbers mean Monday to Friday, numbers in brackets mean Saturday, and red numbers mean Sundays and public holidays.
What may differ
A 'Stans forbudt' sign is stricter: it bans all stopping, and the exception for passengers and loading never applies there. Stopping is also banned in an intersection and within 5 metres of it.
Common misconception
You can stand where parking is forbidden as long as you stay in the car.
What actually happens
Statens vegvesen defines parking as any leaving of a vehicle, even if the driver does not leave it, so waiting in the car with the engine running is still parking.
People also ask
- How far does a no-parking sign apply?
- How long can I stop where parking is forbidden?
Sources
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Where does a parking sign apply? (Norwegian)Checked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: About parking (Norwegian)Checked at:
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration: Parking at intersections (Norwegian)Checked at:
- City of Oslo: Prices and payment for parking (Norwegian)Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Statens vegvesen before you park.
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