How Long Can You Park? – Rules, Exceptions and Common Misunderstandings

The Basic Rule: 24 Hours on Weekdays

If nothing else is stated, the 24-hour rule applies.
That means you can park your car for a maximum of 24 hours in a row in the same spot – as long as parking is otherwise allowed.

This rule applies:

• On streets and roads within built-up areas
  
• Monday to Friday (weekdays, not counting public holidays)
  

During weekends and holidays, the clock pauses – so you can stay longer.

Example:
You park on Tuesday at 18:00.
You must move your car by Wednesday at 18:00.
But if Wednesday is a public holiday (for example, Ascension Day), you can stay until Friday at 18:00.

Exceptions: Areas With Their Own Rules

Many areas have specific local regulations that override the 24-hour rule.
In those cases, the signs always take priority.

You must follow the signs if the area is:

• Time-limited (e.g. “2 hr P 9–18”)
  
• Pay parking (you can stay as long as you pay)
  
• Resident parking zones (only for permit holders)
  
• Private property (e.g. housing association parking, garages, car parks)
  

Private parking areas usually have their own terms printed on the sign.
If it’s unclear – ask the property owner or parking operator.

How Often Do You Need to Move the Car?

Leaving your car too long in the same spot can count as illegal parking, even if it’s not blocking anyone.
The municipality has the right to move a vehicle that has stayed longer than allowed – especially if it appears abandoned or unsafe.

This applies even if:

• The car is officially off the road (“avställd”)
  
• The parking is free
  
• You have a permit (like resident parking)
  

In short: you can park as long as the rule or sign allows – but not longer.

Common Misunderstandings

<div class="knowledge-table"><div class="knowledge-table_header"><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell">Misunderstanding</div><div class="knowledge-table_header-cell">The Truth</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">“There’s no sign, so I can park as long as I want.”</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Wrong – the 24-hour rule always applies if nothing else is stated.</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">“It’s the weekend, so I can stay forever.”</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">Not quite – the rule pauses on holidays, but resumes afterwards.</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">“If I move my car one meter, it counts as a new parking.”</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">No – the municipality can still consider it the same parking spot.</div></div><div class="knowledge-table_row"><div class="knowledge-table_cell">“Rules don’t apply on private property.”</div><div class="knowledge-table_cell">They do – the owner sets the terms, but parking laws still apply.</div></div></div>

Digital Parking Keeps Track for You

With digital parking permits and systems, you no longer have to keep track of time yourself.
Parkit automatically registers when a vehicle arrives and ensures that the rules are followed correctly.

For property owners, housing associations and municipalities, this means less admin and fewer parking violations.
The technology makes it easy to do the right thing – for both drivers and landowners.

Why Parkit Cares

We believe parking rules should be as clear as road signs – simple, fair and transparent.
That’s why we create digital solutions and educational content that help people understand how parking really works.

For us, parking isn’t a necessary evil – it’s part of the city’s rhythm.
The better we understand it, the smoother life, traffic and the environment flow.