When may you remain parked at a parking meter without activating it?

In Germany, parking meters are designed to regulate parking time to ensure turnover and availability of spaces. However, you are allowed to remain at a parking meter without activating it in specific situations: when people are getting in or out of the vehicle, and when you are loading or unloading goods. This exception exists because these activities are typically quick and do not occupy the parking space for an extended period, so activating the meter is not necessary. On the other hand, doing some quick shopping is considered parking and requires paying the parking fee, as it usually takes longer and makes the space unavailable to others. Understanding this helps you avoid unnecessary fines and use parking spaces responsibly.