Parking is rarely the focus of driving lessons, yet it is where many new drivers first pick up fines or cause obstruction. The Highway Code sets out its waiting and parking rules in rules 238 to 252. This article summarises that section as published on GOV.UK, together with the Code’s introduction. The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales, and some of the rules differ by nation or by whether the road is in London, which this article notes where the Code does. Northern Ireland is not covered. This is general information, not legal advice, and local signs and traffic orders always apply.
Yellow lines and time plates (rule 238)
Rule 238 says a driver MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates, or on zone entry signs in a Controlled Parking Zone. Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. It also says a driver MUST NOT wait, park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers on school entrance markings when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping.
General parking behaviour (rule 239)
Rule 239 says to use off-street parking areas or bays marked with white lines wherever possible. If stopping at the roadside, a driver should not park facing against the traffic flow, should stop as close to the side as possible, and should not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge because the occupant may need more room to get in or out. The rule includes requirements marked MUST: switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights; apply the handbrake before leaving; and make sure nobody is hit when the door is opened. It also advises putting valuables out of sight and locking the vehicle.
On opening doors, the Code suggests using the hand on the opposite side to the door being opened, for example the left hand to open a door on the right, because it makes a person turn their head to look over the shoulder and so makes injury to passing cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians less likely.
Where stopping or parking is banned (rules 240 to 243)
Rule 240 lists places where a driver MUST NOT stop or park, including the carriageway, emergency areas and hard shoulders of a motorway except in an emergency; a pedestrian crossing and its zig-zag lines; clearways; taxi bays; an urban clearway within its hours; a road with double white lines, 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; and red routes, unless signs indicate otherwise. Rule 241 says a driver MUST NOT park in spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, unless entitled to. Rule 242 says a vehicle MUST NOT be left in a dangerous position or where it causes unnecessary obstruction.
Rule 243 lists places a driver should not stop or park, except when forced to by stationary traffic, including near a school entrance; anywhere that would prevent access for emergency services; at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank; 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; where the kerb has been lowered for wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles; in front of an entrance to a property; and on a bend. A further sentence applies to one nation: in Scotland, a driver MUST NOT double park or park anywhere the kerb has been lowered to help pedestrians or cyclists, with exceptions in limited circumstances.
Pavement parking: London, Scotland and elsewhere (rule 244)
Rule 244 is a clear example of a rule that differs by place. It says a driver MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland, with exceptions allowed in limited circumstances. Elsewhere, a driver should not park partially or wholly on the pavement unless signs permit it. The rule explains why: pavement parking can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments, and people with prams or pushchairs. Because the ban is stated for London and Scotland only, a driver moving between regions should not assume the same rule applies elsewhere.
Parking at night (rules 248 to 252)
Rule 248 says a driver MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space. Rule 249 says all vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or lay-by with a speed limit greater than 30mph (48km/h). Rule 250 allows cars and some other vehicles to be parked without lights on a road or lay-by with a limit of 30mph or less if they meet conditions on distance from junctions, kerb position and direction of travel.
Common questions
Are double yellow lines only enforced at certain times?
Rule 238 says double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time, even without upright signs.
Can I park on the pavement?
In London and Scotland, rule 244 says a driver MUST NOT, apart from limited exceptions. Elsewhere it says a driver should not unless signs permit it.
The bottom line
The Highway Code’s parking section for England, Scotland and Wales asks drivers to obey yellow lines and signs, avoid the places listed in rules 240 and 243, take extra care over pavements and dropped kerbs (with stricter rules in London and Scotland), open doors with care, and follow the lighting rules at night. Local signs and traffic orders decide the details on any given street.
Sources
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Waiting and parking (238 to 252)”
- GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Introduction”