1. Do you need a no-parking zone at all?
Not always. If the van can stand in the courtyard, a driveway or your own parking space, it is unnecessary. It makes sense above all on densely parked streets, as are common in many of Berlin's old neighbourhoods, with long carrying distances from a rear building, and when several vehicles need to load at the same time.
2. Who is responsible?
You apply to the road traffic authority of the district where the no-parking zone is to apply, not where you live yourself. Depending on the district, the authority belongs to the public order office or the roads and green spaces office. The addresses and contact details of all districts are on service.berlin.de under "Haltverbot für Umzüge". An informal application is enough. If it is not a move but a clearance, briefly ask the authority whether the same procedure applies.
The application should include:
- Address and exact stretch of road, for example "in front of no. 12", with the desired length in metres
- Date and time, from when to when
- Purpose (move or clearance) and type of vehicles
- Name, address and phone number for queries
How long, and for how long? The zone should be long enough for the vehicle to fit with room at the back for loading and unloading. Ask the removal or clearance company which vehicle is coming. Plan the time generously: a two- to three-room flat is usually cleared in one day; a house or large flat usually needs one to two days.
3. Lead time and fees
The State of Berlin states a processing time of about four weeks. So apply at least one month before the date. According to service.berlin.de the fee is at least €21 and depends on scope and duration. The cost of the signs comes on top.
4. The signs: the order alone is not enough
The districts only issue the order; they do not put up traffic signs. You get the signs yourself and set them up as stated in the order, or you hire a traffic management firm, which is normally permitted to put up traffic signs.
Three full days beforehand: the Federal Administrative Court has ruled that a car's keeper only has to pay the towing costs if the mobile no-parking sign was up at least three full days beforehand (judgment of 24 May 2018, 3 C 25.16). If the signs are up for less time, your space may stay occupied on the day.
- Put the signs up at least three full days before the date; better to allow an extra day.
- Document the setup: dated photos and a list of the number plates already parked there at that time.
- Have the order to hand on the day.
- If someone parks in the zone anyway, contact the public order office or the police.
- Take the signs down again after the date.
Skips: a skip on the street is a separate matter. On public roads it needs its own permit. On private property no permit from the road authority is needed, but the owner's consent is.
5. Who can do it for you
You have three options: apply for the zone yourself and hire the signs, hire a traffic management firm, or, if we are clearing for you, we organise the no-parking zone as well on request. The price for that is in the quote beforehand.
To be honest: applying yourself is cheapest; you only pay the fee and the signs. Handing it over is worthwhile if you lack the time or do not live in Berlin. If the date is too soon for a no-parking zone, we discuss other solutions with you, such as using the courtyard.
How to plan the clearance as a whole: checklist before a household clearance.
Sources (as of November 2026, without guarantee; in German): service.berlin.de – no-parking zone for moves · Federal Administrative Court – press release 33/2018 on judgment 3 C 25.16