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German supermarket car-park penalty (fair parken, Park&Control): pay or object?

Last checked 14 November 2026. General information, not legal advice. Also in: Deutsch Polski

What it is

Supermarket car parks are often run by private firms (fair parken, Park&Control, ParkDepot and others). Overstaying or no parking disc leads to a contract penalty, not an official fine. Usual amounts: EUR 15–30, sometimes up to EUR 60.

Keeper or driver?

Only the driver made the contract. The keeper does not have to name the driver out of court (Federal Court of Justice, XII ZR 13/19); in court, the keeper must name possible drivers.

Extra fees

Owner-lookup and first-reminder fees are disputed: a consumer centre is suing Park & Control over EUR 5.85 and EUR 3.50 fees (not final). Reminder fees should be about EUR 3 at most and only after a missed deadline.

Recommendation

If you parked there and broke a clearly posted rule, paying the penalty itself is usually sensible. With a shopping receipt, ask for goodwill. Object in writing if you were not the driver, the signs were unclear, or fees were added.

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