Most motorists have fallen foul of parking rules at some point in their driving lives, resulting in a fine or even points on their driving licences.
Unfortunately, being unaware of the law is no defence, as every driver is expected to be well-versed in the Highway Code and the legislation that backs it up.
So, to help you understand the more obscure and lesser-known parking rules - and to avoid an expensive fine - Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, has offered his top tips.
Read more: Drivers are only realising a secret button exists behind your mirror that is 'life-changing'
1) Switch on your parking lights at night
Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, motorists must turn on their parking lights if parked on a road (or in a layby) at night where the speed limit is above 30mph. This is to make your car more visible to oncoming traffic, helping to prevent an accident.
Parking lights are the same as the sidelights that you use when it isn’t dark enough for headlights. They illuminate your two rear taillights, number plate, and the side of your main headlights.
Failure to comply could land you with a £75 fine.
2) Don’t park against the flow of oncoming traffic
If you are struggling to find parking, you should avoid parking against the flow of oncoming traffic. During the day this is just guidance, but at night the law kicks in, and you are not allowed to park on a road against the direction of traffic unless your vehicle is inside a recognised parking space.
3) Turn off your engine when idling or waiting
According to the Road Vehicles Regulations 1986, a motorist must switch off their engine when stationary on any public road otherwise they are breaking the law. This includes idling in traffic or when loading/unloading.
In the first instance, you'll more than likely just be asked to turn your engine off. But repeat offenders might find themselves penalised. Some councils issue fines of £20 for this offence but it could be increased up to £80.
Considering that the World Health Organisation estimates 6.7 million deaths a year are linked to air pollution, it’s considerate to cut the engine - yet only 44% of motorists support the enforcement of this rule according to a recent survey by the RAC.
4) Think twice before parking on the pavement
In London, motorists must not park wholly or partially on a pavement according to the Highway Code. Backed by legislation, officers can issue fines of up to £70 for each offence.
Since 2019, the Scottish Government has planned a blanket ban on pavement parking. Delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, this is set to be enforced in 2023. As it stands, this is not the law for the rest of England but MPs have been calling for change since 2019, demanding a country-wide ban.
5) Never open your door without checking first
How many times have you consciously scanned your surroundings before flinging your door open once you’ve parked? Well, the Highway Code states motorists “MUST ensure [they] do not hit anyone when opening [their] car door”.
Known as 'car-dooring', the new legislation states that: "No person shall open, or cause or permit to be opened, any door of a vehicle on a road so as to injure or endanger any person."
The Dutch Reach Method is a practical way for motorists to protect themselves and other road users. Use your left hand to open the door that is on your right-hand side and vice versa. This forces you to reach across your chest, swivel and look around before opening your door.
Some sophisticated modern lease vehicles also have ‘Exit Warning’, or ‘Safe Exit Assist’, technology, which issues a warning – and can even lock the doors – if it detects that a car’s passenger is about to open their door into oncoming traffic.
