“Some residents are extremely creative when it comes to securing a parking spot right outside their front door. But as understandable as the desire for a parking spot may be, public roadways are no place for homemade traffic signs,” Dahlen emphasized. “Such markings are not permitted. They can confuse other road users, compromise traffic safety, and take away parking spaces that other people are legally entitled to use.”

The range of markings discovered is wide. Often, these are white markings intended to designate private parking areas or create supposed no-stopping zones in front of driveways. In isolated cases, markings of other colors were also found. Particularly curious was a crosswalk in the middle of a roundabout, which was discovered following a tip in a Wiesbaden neighborhood.

“At first glance, this might sound amusing. In reality, however, such interventions can be dangerous. Road users must be able to rely on the fact that markings on roads and sidewalks are clear, understandable, and officially authorized,” said Dahlen.

Removing the markings isn’t always easy. Depending on the paint used and the condition of the surface, the work can damage the road surface. When removing certain paints, the surface of the asphalt can be damaged, allowing moisture to penetrate. If this moisture freezes in the winter, the pavement can crack and potholes can form.

“Anyone who paints their own parking space on the street risks, in the worst case, causing additional damage to the infrastructure. Repairing this damage costs time and money that we could put to better use elsewhere,” explained the transportation commissioner.

The unauthorized markings were discovered as part of the Hessian state capital’s implementation of a digital traffic sign management system. For this purpose, Wiesbaden’s road network was systematically digitized. The markings documented during this process were then cross-referenced with the city’s marking registry, and conspicuous areas were inspected on-site.

The Civil Engineering and Surveying Office has now begun the work. Initially, markings in the districts of Auringen, Biebrich, Breckenheim, Delkenheim, Dotzheim, Frauenstein, Kastel, and Klarenthal will be removed. The remaining districts are scheduled to follow in the first half of 2027. Minor temporary disruptions may occur during the work. Traffic safety will be ensured.

In this current campaign, the city’s primary focus is on removing the unauthorized markings and raising awareness among those responsible. However, in the event of repeated violations, the City of Wiesbaden reserves the right to take further action. This may include requiring the reimbursement of removal costs and seeking compensation for any resulting damage.

Dahlen therefore appealed to citizens not to install their own traffic signs or traffic-regulating markings on public property. Anyone who believes an additional marking or a new traffic regulation is necessary should first contact the appropriate city departments. “We want our streets and sidewalks to remain safe and easy to understand. Anyone who sees a specific need can bring it to our attention. We will then review it from both a technical and legal perspective. Paint cans and brushes are not the right way to go about this,” Dahlen concluded.