Waiting and parking (238 to 252)

Rules for waiting and parking, including rules on parking at night and decriminalised parking enforcement.

General (rule 238)

Rule 238

You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone) – see ‘Traffic signs’ and ‘Road markings’. Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings (see ‘Road markings’) when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping.

Parking (rules 239 to 247)

Rule 239

Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the roadside:

do not park facing against the traffic flow
stop as close as you can to the side
do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge: remember, the occupant may need more room to get in or out
you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights
you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for cyclists or other traffic by looking all around and using your mirrors
where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement
it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb
put all valuables out of sight and make sure your vehicle is secure
lock your vehicle.

Before using a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST make sure it is safe to do so. Then, you should move the vehicle into the parking space in the safest way, and by the shortest route possible.

When you use a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST remain in control of the vehicle at all times. Do not use the hand-held device for anything else while you are using it to help you park, and do not put anyone in danger. Use the hand-held device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables. Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.

Rule 239: Check before opening your door

Rule 240

You MUST NOT stop or park on

the carriageway, an emergency area or a hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency (see Rules 270 and 271)
a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines (see Rule 191)
a clearway (see Traffic signs)
taxi bays as indicated by upright signs and markings
an urban clearway within its hours of operation, except to pick up or set down passengers (see Traffic signs)
a road marked with double white lines, even when a broken white line is on your side of the road, except to pick up or set down passengers, or to load or unload goods
a tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
a cycle track
red lines, in the case of specially designated ‘red routes’, unless otherwise indicated by signs. Any vehicle may enter a bus lane to stop, load or unload where this is not prohibited (see Rule 141).

Rule 241

You MUST NOT park in parking spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, unless entitled to do so.

Rule 242

You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.

Rule 243

DO NOT stop or park:

near a school entrance
anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
on the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing
opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
in front of an entrance to a property
on a bend
where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities

except when forced to do so by stationary traffic.

In Scotland you MUST NOT double park or park anywhere the kerb has been lowered to help pedestrians or cyclists. Exceptions are allowed in limited circumstances.

Rule 244

You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland. Exceptions are allowed in limited circumstances. You should not park partially or wholly on the pavement elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.

Rule 245

Controlled Parking Zones. The zone entry signs indicate the times when the waiting restrictions within the zone are in force. Parking may be allowed in some places at other times. Otherwise parking will be within separately signed and marked bays.

Rule 246

Goods vehicles. Vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 7.5 tonnes (including any trailer) MUST NOT be parked on a verge, pavement or any land situated between carriageways, without police permission. The only exception is when parking is essential for loading and unloading, in which case the vehicle MUST NOT be left unattended.

Rule 247

Loading and unloading. Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advise restrictions are in place (see ‘Road markings’). This may be permitted where parking is otherwise restricted. On red routes, specially marked and signed bays indicate where and when loading and unloading is permitted.

Parking at night (rules 248 to 252)

Rule 248

You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.

Rule 249

All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h).

Rule 250

Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 2500 kg laden weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are:

at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow
in a recognised parking place or lay-by.

Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights.

Rule 251

Parking in fog. It is especially dangerous to park on the road in fog. If it is unavoidable, leave your parking lights or sidelights on.

Rule 252

Parking on hills. If you park on a hill you should:

park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly
select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill
select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill
use ‘park’ if your car has an automatic gearbox.

Rule 252: Turn your wheels away from the kerb when parking facing uphill. Turn them towards the kerb when parking facing downhill

Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE)

DPE is becoming increasingly common as more authorities take on this role. The local traffic authority assumes responsibility for enforcing many parking contraventions in place of the police. Further details on DPE may be found at the following websites:

Traffic penalty tribunal (outside London)

London Tribunals (inside London)

Author's Explanation

Waiting and Parking Rules Explained (Rules 238–242)

Parking safely is not only about finding a suitable space. Drivers must consider road markings, signs, other road users and whether their vehicle could create danger or unnecessary obstruction.

Yellow lines, controlled parking zones and special markings show where and when waiting restrictions apply. Drivers should always check nearby signs because restrictions can vary depending on location and time.

When leaving a vehicle, drivers must make sure it is secure, positioned safely and does not put others at risk. Checking before opening doors, applying the handbrake and avoiding dangerous parking positions are essential parts of responsible parking.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver wants to stop on a street with yellow lines and checks the nearby signs before deciding whether parking is allowed.

Example 2: Before leaving the car, a driver applies the handbrake, switches off the engine and checks mirrors before opening the door.

Example 3: A driver parks near a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge but leaves enough space because the passenger may need extra room to enter or exit.

Example 4: A driver using an electric vehicle charge point returns the cable neatly after charging to avoid creating a hazard for pedestrians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you park on double yellow lines?

Double yellow lines indicate that waiting is prohibited at any time. Drivers should not park or wait there unless specific exemptions apply.

What should you check before parking?

Check road markings, nearby signs, parking restrictions and whether your vehicle will create an obstruction or danger to others.

What should drivers do before opening a vehicle door?

Drivers should check mirrors and look around before opening doors. Using the opposite hand can encourage a shoulder check and help spot cyclists or motorcyclists approaching.

Why should vehicles not be left in dangerous positions?

A poorly positioned vehicle can obstruct traffic, block access or create hazards for pedestrians and other road users.

Author's Explanation

Parking Restrictions Explained (Rules 243–247)

Parking restrictions exist to keep roads safe, maintain traffic flow and protect vulnerable road users. Drivers must avoid stopping in places where their vehicle could block visibility, restrict access or create danger for others.

Certain areas have specific parking rules, including school entrances, bus stops, junctions, cycle facilities and controlled parking zones. Always check signs and road markings before leaving a vehicle unattended.

Parking on pavements, near crossings or in spaces reserved for specific users can cause serious difficulties for pedestrians, wheelchair users and other road users. Drivers should park responsibly and consider how their vehicle affects the surrounding area.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver avoids parking near a school entrance because children may need clear access and visibility when entering or leaving the area.

Example 2: A driver does not park opposite a junction because the vehicle could restrict other drivers’ view and make turning movements dangerous.

Example 3: A driver parks only in a Blue Badge space when entitled to do so and avoids using reserved spaces incorrectly.

Example 4: A delivery vehicle stops in a permitted loading area instead of blocking a restricted road section where loading is not allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should drivers avoid parking?

Drivers should avoid areas such as school entrances, pedestrian crossings, junctions, bus stops, cycle facilities and places where parking would obstruct others.

Can you park on a pavement?

Parking on pavements can obstruct pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. In London and Scotland it is generally prohibited except in limited circumstances.

What are Controlled Parking Zones?

Controlled Parking Zones are areas where parking restrictions apply during specific times shown on entry signs. Drivers should check signs before parking.

Can large goods vehicles park on verges or pavements?

Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes must not park on verges, pavements or land between carriageways without police permission. Exceptions apply when loading or unloading is essential and the vehicle is not left unattended.

Author's Explanation

Parking at Night and on Hills Explained (Rules 248–252)

Parking at night requires extra care because parked vehicles can be harder for other road users to see. Drivers must follow lighting requirements and make sure their vehicle is positioned safely and legally.

When parking on roads at night, vehicles should normally face the direction of traffic flow. On roads with higher speed limits, parking lights may be required so other drivers can see the vehicle clearly.

Parking on hills needs additional precautions. Applying the handbrake, selecting the correct gear and turning the wheels in the correct direction can help prevent the vehicle from rolling if it moves unexpectedly.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A driver parks overnight on a road with a speed limit above 30 mph and leaves the required parking lights switched on.

Example 2: A driver parks facing uphill, applies the handbrake firmly and turns the steering wheel away from the kerb.

Example 3: A driver must stop in fog and cannot avoid parking on the road, so they leave parking lights or sidelights switched on.

Example 4: A driver parks downhill, selects reverse gear and turns the wheels towards the kerb to reduce the risk of rolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you park facing against traffic at night?

Vehicles must not be parked facing against the direction of traffic flow at night unless they are in a recognised parking space.

When are parking lights required?

Vehicles parked on roads or lay-bys with speed limits above 30 mph must display parking lights. Some smaller vehicles may be exempt on roads with lower speed limits when parked correctly.

How should you park facing uphill?

Apply the handbrake firmly, select a forward gear and turn the steering wheel away from the kerb.

How should you park facing downhill?

Apply the handbrake firmly, select reverse gear and turn the steering wheel towards the kerb to help prevent movement.

What should you do if you must park in fog?

Parking on the road in fog is dangerous. If it cannot be avoided, leave parking lights or sidelights on so the vehicle remains visible.