Parking area or parking lane

Parking areas or parking lanes are regularly found along the carriageway on non-motorways and motorways. This is where you are allowed to park. Parking areas or lanes are indicated by a blue traffic sign with a white letter ‘P’ on it.

Do you see a parking area in a CBR image but do not see a blue traffic sign with a white letter ‘P’? Then it is not a parking area but a emergency refuge area. You are only allowed to stop or park here in an emergency!

Article 1 of the RVV.
Parking area or parking lane: pavement located along the carriageway intended for stationary or parked vehicles.