Persons holding a valid disability card (disabled person's permit) enjoy special parking privileges in public areas.
However, misunderstandings occur repeatedly:
It is often assumed that the card automatically applies to private parking lots as well – this is not the case.
Below you will learn which regulations apply, where the limits are, and how unnecessary inconveniences can be avoided.
⚖️ 1. Validity of the Disability Card in Public Areas
The blue disability card according to Article 65 of the Road Traffic Regulations (VRV) entitles parking in specially designated disabled parking spaces.
📋 This card is exclusively valid:
on public streets, squares, and parking areas,
in parking spaces with the official wheelchair symbol,
and only for persons who themselves are travelling in or driving the vehicle.
💡 Important:
The card must be placed clearly visible behind the windshield and may be used only when legitimately used.
🚫 2. No Validity on Private Parking Lots
Private parking lots – often marked in yellow or with signs such as Private / No Parking / Court Order – are not subject to public traffic regulations.
Here, exclusively the owner’s house rules or a private parking regulation apply.
➡️ This means:
A disability card has no automatic validity here.
Parking is only permitted if the owner has explicitly granted permission.
Without such permission, parking is considered unauthorized and may have legal consequences.
📋 Possible consequences:
💰 Compensation for inconvenience or contractual penalty (liquidated damages)
⚠️ Towing measures at the vehicle owner's expense
📄 Criminal complaint in case of violation of a court order
🅿️ 3. Difference Between Public and Private Parking Lots
| Feature | Public Parking Lot | Private Parking Lot |
|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ Responsibility | City / Municipality | Owner or Management |
| ♿ Use with Disability Card | Yes, according to Road Traffic Regulations | Only with explicit permission |
| 🚔 Control | Police / Regulatory Service | Owner / Authorized Persons |
| ⚖️ Consequences of Violation | Administrative fine | Compensation for inconvenience, contractual penalty, towing, or criminal complaint |
💡 Note:
Even if a private parking lot is not marked, it is still considered private property if it is owned by a person, a company, or a property management.
💡 4. Recommendations for Holders of a Disability Card
To avoid misunderstandings or inconveniences, we recommend:
✅ Use exclusively official, marked disabled parking spaces
Please use only areas with the wheelchair symbol or clear public signage.
✅ Obtain permission in advance for private parking lots
If you are unsure whether parking is permitted in a particular parking lot, inquire before leaving your vehicle with the owner, management, or responsible personnel.
✅ Use the card exclusively at authorized locations
Unauthorized or incorrect use may be considered abuse of the card.
🧭 5. Procedure Upon Receiving a Compensation or Contractual Penalty on Private Parking Lots
If you have received a contractual penalty or compensation for inconvenience on a private parking lot despite having a valid disability card, please note:
The disability card does not justify parking on private property.
Early clarification or settlement of the claim avoids additional costs and legal consequences.
📝 Summary:
The disability card facilitates parking in public areas, but has no validity on private parking lots.
There, only the owner decides on parking authorization.
To avoid misunderstandings and costs, it is recommended to park exclusively in officially marked disabled parking spaces or to obtain permission in advance for private areas.