Blue zone and parking disk

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Blue zone and parking disc: where to display it, how to set it, how long you may stay and the fine if you forget.

Cover, Blue zone and parking disk

Lesson objectives

Understand how the blue zone works and its rules Master the correct use of the parking disk Know the authorized durations and application times

What is a blue zone?

The blue zone is a parking zone with limited duration (art. 27.1). Parking is not prohibited there: it is regulated . Its beginning and end are indicated by a signal with zonal validity (art. 65.5) that reproduces the signal E9a and the parking disk . A precision often asked in the exam: the obligation applies to the motor vehicle , the four-wheeled moped , the tricycle and the motor quadricycle , the list in article 27.1.1 mentions neither motorcycles nor two-wheeled mopeds.

Beginning of blue zone

The beginning of the limited-duration parking zone is marked by a signal with zonal validity reproducing the signal E9a and the parking disk (art. 27.1.1 and 65.5). Throughout the zone thus delimited, the disk must be affixed to the inside of the windshield or, failing that, to the front of the vehicle. The signal is not called "ZE1": it is the E9a to which zonal validity has been conferred.

End of blue zone

The end of the zone is indicated by the same zonal signal crossed out. Beyond it, the disk obligation ceases, unless a signal E5 , E7 or E9a to E9g supplemented by an additional panel reproducing the disk reinstates it punctually (art. 27.2).

When to use the parking disk?

Unless particular arrangements are indicated by signage, the use of the disk is mandatory from 9 to 18 hours on working days , for a maximum duration of two hours (art. 27.1.2). Working days cover Monday to Saturday : Sunday and public holidays are not part of them. Article 27.1.1 moreover refers to "working days or days specified by signage ", signage can therefore extend or restrict these days.

Application times for the disk

Period Disc mandatory? Monday to Saturday, 9am–6pm Yes Monday to Saturday, before 9am or after 6pm No Sunday and public holidays No

Working days

Days of the week when the disc is mandatory in the blue zone: Monday to Saturday. Sunday and public holidays are not working days.

How to set the parking disc?

The disc arrow must be placed on the line immediately following your arrival time . For example: You arrive at 1:40 PM → set the arrow to 2:00 PM You arrive at 10:15 AM → set the arrow to 10:30 AM The disc must be visible inside the windscreen .

Tip for setting the disc correctly

Always set the arrow on the line following your arrival time, not on the time itself. This ensures you comply with the maximum authorized duration.

Maximum parking duration

Unless otherwise indicated by signage, the maximum duration is two hours . The text is strict on when this period expires: the vehicle must have left the space no later than the expiration of the authorized duration (art. 27.1.2). It is therefore not enough to return on time: you must have left.

Prohibition on changing the time

Two distinct prohibitions under article 27.1.3: it is forbidden to display inaccurate information on the disc , and the disc information cannot be changed before the vehicle leaves the space . Advancing the arrow without moving the car is therefore an infraction in itself.

Parking disc outside the blue zone

Two situations extend the use of the disc outside the blue zone (art. 27.2): any location with a signal E5 , E7 or E9a to E9g completed with an additional panel showing the disc . Conversely (art. 27.1.4), at locations with a signal E9a to E9g without this additional panel, blue zone rules do not apply . Finally, the municipal parking card , including the resident card, replaces the disc when specific regulations provide for it and it is displayed on the windscreen.

Broken parking meters

At spaces equipped with parking meters or pay stations , parking follows the procedures displayed on the device (art. 27.3.1, 1°). If the device is out of order , the disc must be used according to the rules of article 27.1 (art. 27.3.1, 2°). Conversely, when these devices are installed within a limited-duration parking zone, the disc is not mandatory, except, precisely, if they are out of order (art. 27.3.1, 3°).

Practical advice

Always keep a parking disc in your car. This allows you to adapt quickly if a parking meter is faulty or if you enter a blue zone.

Car parked in blue zone with visible disc

Parking disc set correctly

The additional panel: what it can do

The meaning of a signal may be supplemented, clarified or limited by an inscription or white symbol on a rectangular additional panel with blue background fixed below (art. 65.2). It carries the times ("9 to 6 pm", "Monday to Friday"), vehicle categories or school days. Outside the periods it indicates, the signal's requirement does not apply. Additional panels relating to bicycles, personal mobility devices and two-wheeled mopeds are an exception: inscriptions and symbols black on white background , according to models M1 to M24.

Additional panels under parking signals

Under a signal E, the additional panel clarifies the applicable regulations: parking disc mandatory (art. 27.2), mention "payable" requiring a paid parking card, mention "except residents" for holders of the resident card, symbol reserving the space for loading and unloading of goods, or models M1, M8 and M19 to M24 which extend the effect of signals E1 and E3 to the pavement .

Key points to remember

Blue zone = limited-duration parking zone , delimited by a signal E9a with zonal validity accompanied by the disc Disc mandatory from 9 am to 6 pm on working days , maximum duration 2 hours , unless otherwise displayed Arrow on the line following the arrival time; disc on the inside of the windscreen The vehicle must have left the space at the expiration of the period Forbidden to display inaccurate information and to modify the disc before leaving the space Outside blue zone: disc mandatory under E5, E7 or E9a to E9g completed with the disc panel; without this panel, no obligation Parking meter out of order → disc; parking meter in service in a blue zone → no disc The municipal parking card (including the resident card) replaces the disc

Congratulations!

First take the quiz of this lesson to validate your learning, then practice on the exam simulator and multiple-choice questions . You have completed this entire course. Congratulations, time to practice!

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