Can you keep your car parked in one spot for a long time?
Is parking the most dreaded thing about driving for you?
If yes, you aren’t alone. Many drivers don’t like having to find and park in new places, but here’s what you need to know about key parking rules in order to become more confident behind the wheel.
Need-to-know parking rules
- Parking for long durations
Your car can be parked in one spot for as long as needed, if it isn’t breaking any parking rules. You’ll just need to make sure it’s taxed and insured.
But, if you do leave it in one position for a long period of time, people could believe the car is abandoned and report it to the police, who can then remove the vehicle.
Don’t forget that broken windows, flat tyres, or a missing number plate could indicate that it’s been abandoned.
- Yellow lines
You can park on single yellow lines outside of the restricted times on an accompanying sign.
Double yellow lines mean no parking unless you’re a Blue Badge holder, which allows you to park for a maximum of three hours.
If there are no signs, you can park there for as long as you like, as long as you aren’t causing any obstruction or breaking Highway Code rules.
- Other cars parked outside your home
If another car is blocking access to your driveway, you can ask the driver to move their car. If this doesn’t work, you can report it to a local authority.
The owner of a car parked on your street, which isn’t blocking access to your driveway, isn’t breaking any laws.
If, however, you or another driver park on a dropped kerb, you would be breaching the Highway Code.
Residential Street Parking Laws
There are a number of street parking laws in the UK specific to residential areas.
- Is parking on a residential street legal?
Yes, unless explicitly restricted by road signs, road markings like yellow lines or local orders. The Highway Code Rule 244 advises drivers not to park opposite or within 10 meters of a junction, so be aware of these when looking to park on a residential street.
- Parking outside someone’s house
It is not illegal to park outside someone’s home unless the area is permit-controlled, you’re blocking a dropped kerb or driveway or there are specific local restrictions. However, some residents may see this as inconsiderate so be mindful when finding a place to park on a residential street.
- Dropped kerbs and driveways
Blocking dropped kerbs does break residential parking laws in the UK and could result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). You are also not allowed to park in front of your own driveway if it blocks access for other residents or if it is on a dropped kerb on a public street.
- Permit-only zones
Some residential streets enforce resident permit schemes. This means that in order to park in those areas you must have a permit. Parking without a permit in these zones can lead to fines
- Obstructing the road
It is illegal to park in a way that obstructs emergency vehicle access or prevents other residents from safely exiting or entering their driveway. You must never block pavements for pedestrians, pushchairs or wheelchair users. This is particularly important in London.
- Parking on the pavement
Pavement parking in London is illegal unless there are signs that state otherwise. Throughout the rest of England however, while it is discouraged, it is not illegal to park on the pavement. However, always check the area for specific regulations.
Where do you live in the UK?
Parking rules are different based on where you are in the UK. Some roads have resident permit rules, which mean only people who live on that road and have a permit to prove it, can park there.
Other roads may require you to pay and display, so you pay for the number of hours you want to park and failing to do so might incur a parking ticket.
Always keep an eye on relevant signs to avoid breaching any rules.
Find out how 1st Central Connect can help you become a safer driver.