Germany: Legal clarity and technical issues on private parking lots

A ruling by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has clarified liability regarding contractual penalties on private parking lots, such as those at supermarkets. The court determined that a vehicle owner is not automatically liable for penalties simply by virtue of ownership; rather, the contract is formed with the person who actually parks the vehicle and accepts the parking terms.

Despite this legal clarity, users report significant issues with camera-monitored parking systems. Complaints highlight technical malfunctions where drivers pay fees but still receive invoices for unpaid parking. Common grievances include errors in license plate recognition and systems that fail to register plates correctly, leading to unexpected charges ranging from 40 to 95 euros. Critics argue these automated systems can be predatory and difficult for elderly citizens to navigate.