When you're going to park, it's always paying attention to whether you have to pay for it or not. In this blog I'm going to explain the different options to you. Am I in a parking
If you suddenly have to brake hard for sudden obstacles, traffic situations or other events, the wheels can lock. In this situation you
When learning for your theory exam, you come across many different terms. Some seem quite similar to each other, while they still mean something different. A number
When you're going to park, it's always paying attention to whether you have to pay for it or not. In this blog I'm going to explain the different options to you. Am I in a parking disc zone? Or in a paid parking space? Is parking not free? How do you place the parking disc and for how long may you park there? Below I'll explain it further to you.
Is parking free?
In many places in Belgium, parking is free. Paid parking you often have in busy areas where many cars come. You have to pay in more and more places because it's getting busier. Think of the city center, shopping streets or market squares. Where there are more cars than parking spaces. There you'll probably also have to pay something. Either a parking disc or money. Many large stores and supermarkets usually have free parking. Your own driveway is also free of course 😊.
What is a parking disc zone?
A parking disc zone is also called a blue zone. Often there are also blue lines drawn on the ground. The blue zone is indicated by these signs.
It can apply to a street. But also to a larger area. Then they call it a zone. This sign applies to the entire area. If you park there, it's free. You may usually park there for a maximum of 2 hours. Sometimes also shorter. That is then indicated by sub-signs.
Now a theory exam question. May you turn your parking disc forward again after 2 hours of parking. To then continue shopping?
No. That's not allowed. Many people do it though. But the intention is that you leave after 2 hours of parking. So that someone else can park there for free.
Not placing the parking disc is worth a fine. Waste of money. Costs you about 25 Euros. A parking disc you can buy in many newsagents for 1 to 2 euros. So definitely handy to have one in the car. Mine is in the glove compartment in the front of the car. That way I always have it at hand.
What are the rules of a parking disc?
If you park in a parking disc zone, you must place the parking disc under your windshield. Theory exam question. When must you place the parking disc? Every day you must place your parking disc under your windshield. This must be between 9 o'clock and 18 o'clock. On a Sunday or holiday, you don't have to.
You always set the disc on whole or half hours. You may always round the disc in your favor. You always get extra time.
Theory exam question. You park at 12:15. What time do you set the parking disc then? Then you set the disc at 12:30.
Do you arrive at 9:35. Then you may set it at 10:00 o'clock. Always round forward in your favor. Pretty nice though.
How does paid parking work?
If you encounter this sign. Then you have to pay. How expensive it is depends on where you park. The busier the neighborhood, the more expensive the parking space. City center is usually unaffordable. In some places you still have a free quarter of an hour. Sometimes even two hours free. To pay you can do this via a parking meter. There you enter how long you want to park and then you can pay for it directly. Disadvantage is that if you're done earlier. Then you don't get your money back. Also, those meters are not always nearby. Sometimes they're also broken. Check this video how the parking meter works. (tiktok)
You can also pay via a mobile app. On this app you enter that you've started parking. When you're done shopping. You turn off the parking app just before leaving. So you only pay for the minutes you've been there. Check this blog for more handy apps.
Is a parking garage cheaper?
If you park in a parking garage, this is always paid. Advantage is that it's somewhat cheaper than parking on the street. Another advantage is that there's often space. On the street you sometimes have to search for a long time for a parking spot. In a parking garage you already know if there's space before you drive in. Do watch out for the tight corners and the walls. Just notice how many scratches there are in a parking garage on the corners. Those are people who have driven past with the car. Take your time in a parking garage. You know the saying. Haste makes waste.
Now you know much more about the parking disc and paid parking. Good luck with further learning your theory! A complete online course in which all theory is explained clearly and calmly is online. Choose your package on lavender-lark-617394.hostingersite.com/ then I'll see you at the first part! Good luck with learning.
