Where must you use a parking disc for parking?

In Germany, a parking disc must be used in two main situations. First, when a parking meter is defective and cannot register your parking time, you need to set and display a parking disc showing your arrival time to indicate when you started parking. Second, you must use a parking disc wherever traffic signs explicitly require it, such as in time-limited parking zones marked by a blue sign with a white "P" and a parking disc symbol. This ensures fair use of limited parking spaces. In contrast, a parking disc is not used in no-waiting areas, where parking is generally prohibited altogether. Understanding these rules helps you avoid fines and park responsibly.