Germany : autobahn service stations : how long rest?

[timconsidine]

Now this is really off-topic !! [sorry]
But I know we have a number of Cloudron staff and users in Germany.

How long generally can you stop at a service area on autobahn ?
Two hours ?
Possible to stay longer with a parking fee ?

I took one convoy of medical supplies to Polish/Ukrainian border.
I am taking another consignment of medical supplies soon.

Last time we did 'high speed' trip so I didn't pay attention to signs at service stations.
Zipped through Holland and Germany with ease and stopped at the end of 1st Europe travel day in Poland.

This time it might be a slower trip if I choose to take a trailer.
So more rest stops, and I don't want to leave the trailer unattended (e.g. overnight hotel) due to security.
Hoping to grab some zzzzz 's when I refuel.

[I'm supporting https://missionkharkiv.com : brave good people who ensure supplies get into the right hands.]

[subven]

For germany it's officially allowed to sleep in your car or trailer if you park at a normal parking spot. Sleeping for one night at a highway rest stop or highway parking lot should not be a problem. There is also no reason to complain aginst such behavior because germany has strict rules for driving and rest periods. The general rule of thumb is: drive half a day, rest half a day. Just keep it in mind to avoid any possible trouble

If you park/rest at bigger truck stops (with gas station and restaurants), use the locally designated parking spaces for cars and trailers. I would prefer the smaller stops (the ones with just toilets).

[nebulon]

I am German and I have never heard of or even considered parking time restrictions in such locations. It is probably not allowed to camp there for many days in a row, but even then someone would have to complain first. So I would say do not worry about that, but make sure to get enough rest to be fit for driving. Afterall getting rest is one of the reasons such service stations exist.

[timconsidine]

@subven thank you !
Yes I prefer the smaller ones too.
Quieter and less attention.
I'm a ROSPA Gold Bike Rider so fully agree about getting the rest !

[timconsidine]

@nebulon thank you, that's all good to know.
Yes, I'm trying to plan in proper stops, not just 20 min naps !

[luckow]

@timconsidine if you need a rest/sleep/sightseeing, make a stop in berlin and be my guest

[timconsidine]

@luckow that's very kind !
The focus is getting consignment to Polish border so no route deviations on outbound. May be more flexible on return. Will message you as the arrangements finalise.