Driving 5.o – what’s the deal with these prohibitions?
Every driver knows the situation when you need to stop quickly, drop off a passenger, or leave the car “just for a minute.” That’s when the question often arises — is this sign a no parking sign, or perhaps a no stopping sign? They are not the same, and confusing them can end with a fine.
In this article, we explain how the B35 and B36 signs differ, where they apply, and what are the consequences of violating them.
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What does the B35 sign mean?
This is a no parking sign. It means you are not allowed to leave your vehicle where it is positioned for longer than a brief stop.
Parking refers to situations where the car is left for a longer period, for example, the driver leaves the vehicle or stops it for several minutes. With the B35 sign, only short stops are permitted — for example, to drop someone off, unload goods, or quickly check something in the car.
This sign is often found on busy streets, at bus stops, and intersections where longer parking could obstruct traffic.
What does the B36 sign mean?
This is a no stopping sign, and it is definitely stricter than B35. In a place marked with this sign, you cannot park or even stop your car, not even just to drop off a passenger.
According to the road code, stopping is any break in traffic that is not caused by a situation on the road (e.g., a red light). So if you decide to stop yourself, the B36 prohibition applies to you.
No parking vs. no stopping – the key differences
To make it easier to remember, here is a simple table showing the difference between signs B35 and B36:
| Feature | B35 Sign – No parking | B36 Sign – No stopping |
|---|---|---|
| What it prohibits | Leaving a vehicle for a longer period | Any stopping of the vehicle |
| Can you drop off a passenger | Yes, if it’s brief | No, not even for a moment |
| Can you wait with the engine running | Yes, but only briefly | No |
| Fine for violation | From 100 to 300 PLN and 1 point | From 100 to 300 PLN and 1 point, sometimes towing |
| Where encountered | Shopping streets, schools, city centers | Intersections, bus stops, bridges, tunnels |
Does the no stopping sign apply to the sidewalk?
Yes, the B36 sign also applies to the sidewalk if it is placed at the roadside and does not only concern the traffic lane. Drivers often mistakenly assume they can “stop for a moment” on the sidewalk next to the sign — but this is also a violation of the regulations.
The exception is when there is a plaque below the sign with an arrow or the note “does not apply to sidewalk” — in that case, the ban applies only to the roadway.
As a general rule, the no stopping ban includes the sidewalk along the section of the road covered by the sign unless a plaque specifies otherwise. Do not treat the sidewalk as a “safe loophole” — if the prohibition area has not been limited, stopping on the sidewalk is still an offense, even if you are “just quickly” dropping off a passenger.
Arrows under B35 and B36 signs – what do they mean?
Sometimes, you’ll see downward, upward, or sideways arrows below the signs. These indicate the start, continuation, or end of the prohibition zone:
- Arrow down – this is where the prohibition ends.
- Arrow up – this is where the prohibition begins.
- Arrow in both directions – the prohibition applies to the entire section.
This is extremely important, because you can get a fine for stopping before the sign as well as after the sign if you don’t know exactly where the prohibition zone ends.
How to Correctly Interpret No Parking Signs
“Sign B35” in Practice
The B35 sign, meaning no parking, is most commonly used where temporary stopping is needed but longer parking would block traffic – for example, near schools, shops, and delivery zones. Remember: you can drop off a passenger or leave a package, but it must be brief and you can’t leave the car unattended for longer; if you plan a longer stop, find a designated parking spot.
“Sign B36” and Common Mistakes
The B36 sign prohibits even a brief stop with hazard lights on, which is often confused in the city when picking someone up at an entrance. If you need to stop in this zone, look for the end of the restriction (downward arrow) or the nearest lay-by, because stopping even for a few seconds may result in a fine or the car being towed.
“No Parking Before the Sign” – Is It Possible?
The ban applies from the placement of the sign or from the beginning of the section indicated by the upward arrow; this means that parking “before the sign” is sometimes allowed, as long as other rules (e.g. distance from an intersection, crosswalk, or bus stop) don’t prohibit it. Always pay attention to the plates with arrows and to general rules – you may legally park “before the sign,” yet still be in violation of visibility and safety regulations.
“No Stopping Before the Sign” – Exceptions and Distances
If you are still before sign B36, the ban does not formally apply yet, but you still have to keep the required distance from crosswalks, intersections, and bus stops. The key is to combine local rules (exactly where the sign begins) with general rules (where stopping is always prohibited) to avoid fines and ensure safety for traffic.
What Are the Consequences for Violating No Parking or No Stopping Rules?
The fine for violating the ban depends on the situation. Most often it ranges from 100 to 300 PLN and 1 penalty point. In extreme cases, if the car blocks traffic, it may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Also remember that new city monitoring systems can detect violations automatically – so it’s better not to risk even a “brief” stop under sign B36.
Cooperating with Avalon Logistics Group and Choosing a Taxi App
Working with Avalon Logistics Group means a quick start and fewer formalities – the fleet partner handles taxi licenses, settlements, and onboarding into the apps, so you can focus on driving and service quality. We have chosen proven taxi apps: Uber, Bolt and Freenow because they offer the widest range of orders, transparent settlements, and steady demand in large cities. Thanks to this, drivers in our fleet get started faster, maintain high ratings, and drive where rides are actually available.
Summary – Knowledge of Traffic Signs Is the Basis of Safe Driving
Understanding the difference between no parking (B35) and no stopping (B36) is the duty of every driver. Thanks to this, you’ll avoid fines, won’t block traffic, and won’t risk having your car towed.
If you are studying for an exam or just want to refresh your knowledge, the Jazda 5.o team will help you get to know the regulations and real-life situations on the road better.
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A TAXI DRIVER
Work and earn right away!
