Readers warn: “Never scan a QR code in a car. You’ll never know if it’s legit.”

Parking tickets on dirt roads cause controversial reactions. Many readers criticized this approach as excessive and unclear, especially regarding QR code procedures and fines. Others complained about unclear regulations and a lack of signage in natural areas. The behavior of individual drivers and the question of personal responsibility are also the subject of debate.

Critique of park regulations for natural areas

A number of readers questioned the legal basis for parking on field and forest paths. Especially when traffic signs are absent or unclear, there is uncertainty as to whether this is a public road as intended in the Road Traffic Law (StVO). In fact, driving and parking in non-dedicated lanes is generally prohibited – unless an exception is granted via a sign (“Agricultural and forestry traffic free”).

“Since he did not receive any notice for entering the footpath without permission, it can be assumed that it is a “road” within the meaning of STVO. Outside the city, parking on the right side or shoulder of the road is permitted, as long as there is enough space for traffic. By the way, roads do not have to be paved or concrete.” For original comments

“Here you can see once again how drivers ignore their rights. Just because there are rubbish bins and doggy bag dispensers there doesn’t mean it’s a public road! (…) So forest officials ultimately have domicile rights and are allowed to distribute QR notices.” For original comments

“Field paths usually belong to nearby farmers and only have the right of way, not including parking. Often unpleasant encounters occur on field paths between farmers and people passing by, thereby blocking the path of agricultural vehicles, even though it is only tolerated there. For original comments

Criticism of state control

Most of the comments expressed distrust of the state’s practice of consistently punishing parking violations on dirt roads. The fines imposed – around 55 euros, as in the case of Hubert G. – were considered by many to be disproportionate. Some readers suspect that these controls are more about fiscal interests than protecting rural transportation routes. In fact, supervision is the responsibility of public order services, which are sometimes supported by police officers.

“Since Corona and the rise of mountaineering, this has become normal for us in the famous hotspots near Tölz and Lenggries: There are too few dedicated parking spaces, so vehicles park on the side of the access road to the starting point. 2 bikes on the trail, 2 on the meadow. Without blocking anyone and without breaking anything. And then you can quickly get several hundred of these assembly line QR tickets for 55 euros each…” To the original comment

“The problem with these fines and bans is that the state is seen as increasingly distant from its citizens. There are more and more regulations whose meaning is unclear…” Original comment

Agree to abide by the rules

About ten percent of readers welcomed consistent penalties for parking violations, as explained in the article. They argue that the rules apply equally to everyone, regardless of personal comfort. Proponents emphasize that dirt roads are not public parking lots and that alternative parking is often available, so the fines imposed are appropriate. In this way, they strengthen support for order and protection of nature.

“Private cars have no place on unpaved roads. There are designated parking lots for this in most communities. In my opinion, the fines are reasonable.” For original comments

“The rules are clear and apply to Hubert too. What’s the problem!?” For original comments

Often there is a parking lot just a few hundred meters away, why not use it. I live in the Teverener Heide area, there is also illegal parking on the edge of the rice fields…” Go to the original comment

Criticism of infrastructure and alternatives

About five percent of comments focused on infrastructure around dirt roads and tourist destinations. Readers expressed their understanding of the parking problem, but also saw responsibility as lying with municipalities that allocated too little or inconvenient parking locations. At the same time, suggestions for alternative routes and improvements to the parking situation are being made. The demand for practical solutions is at the heart of this debate.

“Agricultural paths are rarely maintained by farmers at their own expense. Why should that be, most of the land belongs to the municipality (…) Of course, these roads must not be blocked by parking lots, every user must comply.” For original comments

“So farmers damage public roads with their agricultural tools, taxpayers can pay for it, but people are not allowed to park there…” Continue to original comment

Criticism of user behavior

Many comments do not consider the state responsible, but rather point to the personal responsibility of citizens. Most importantly, the behavior of dog owners – as exemplified by Hubert G. – came under sharp criticism. It can be observed time and time again that vehicles are parked too close to pedestrian paths, dogs are not leashed, and rubbish is not cleaned up. Therefore, the criticism focuses on the increasing carelessness in the use of leisure time in rural areas.

“That’s right. Pensioners who think they can park their big cars anywhere and walk a few meters aren’t just bothering farmers.” For original comments

Skepticism about QR code penalties

Several readers expressed concern about the practice of issuing traffic tickets via QR codes. This puts elderly groups or those who are less technologically savvy at a disadvantage. Additionally, digital processing is not only impersonal, but also susceptible to fraud – for example through manipulated code. In fact, there are reports. Consumer advice centers have warned against so-called “quishing” scams, among other things.

“If tickets were only visible via a QR code scan, I would reject it, because not everyone has to have a cell phone or computer to drive a car!” For original comments

“I would never scan a QR code in a car, I would just throw it away. You never know if it’s legit.” For original comments

Miscellaneous

A few move between general observations about the rules, linguistic references, and the occasional humorous or socially critical quip. They contribute to the complexity of readers’ debates.

“A person I recommended to visit Germany once asked me on his return: What is actually not prohibited in Germany? I could not give him an answer; in fact everything is prohibited.” For original comments

Join the discussion: Are government controls on parking on dirt roads justified or are the authorities crossing the line here? How do you think a fair balance can be achieved between nature conservation, everyday life and digital progress?