UK Parking Laws Explained
Reading time 4 minutes • Last updated on February 26th, 2021
Categories Driving Law »
UK Parking Laws Explained
Reading time 4 minutes • Last updated on February 26th, 2021
Categories Driving Law »
Last updated on February 26th, 2021What does this mean?
Once you’ve passed your driving test, all the theory starts to fade away and the reality of the roads hits. Whether you’re a new driver or you’ve been driving for decades, when it comes to parking the rules might be a little hazy.
It’s a nightmare to come back to your car and find a parking ticket, or worse: to find it has been towed, so in this installment of our Driving Law Series, we’ll outline some of the most common UK parking laws and explain how you can steer clear of any fines or penalties.
Red lines are there to indicate a ‘red route’, which means that stopping to park, unload or let passengers out is strictly prohibited. ‘Red routes’ are usually routes which are busy, with any stoppages likely causing mayhem for the constant flow of traffic.
Only licensed taxis or those with Blue Badges can ever park on double red lines.
Parking on a hill is perfectly legal as long as it is not near the brow of the hill. There are however, a few things to keep in mind for how you park:
These rules are not hard and fast, but are mainly recommended for parking at night.
Technically, according to the highway code you aren’t allowed to stop where a kerb is lowered. This is to keep easy access for wheelchair and mobility device users.
It is strictly prohibited to park wholly or even partially on pavements in London, as this can obstruct the path of pedestrians as well as wheelchair users. Only where signs indicate you can park on the pavement should you actually do so.
Because of how busy junctions can get, and because of the visibility required to make them safe for drivers, you should never park opposite or within 32 feet of any junction. Only where there are authorised parking spaces provided are you legally allowed to park near junctions.
Sometimes it can be hard to discern whether you can park in certain places. Yellow lines mean no parking, while single yellow lines indicate that parking is prohibited at particular times. Aside from this, where there are no lines, the best way to find out about parking restrictions is to check the signage and the times at the location itself.
Other areas you cannot park include:
There are some of the more common questions regarding parking, but you can find more information about parking rules and restrictions on the government’s Highway Code section here.
If your windscreen has been damaged or cracked while parked on the road, don’t put off remedying the issue – it could be illegal to drive, will only get worse and can cause serious accidents when it does. At The Windscreen Company we have a specialist team operating around the clock to help get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
Contact our friendly team today for more details or to book your vehicle in for repairs or a replacement.
All statistics and figures were taken from independent research not carried out by The Windscreen Company and were correct at the date of publishing.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
The information within this article was accurate on the date the article was last updated based on the information that was openly available on the topic online. The Windscreen Company accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused by or connected with any error or omission in this article. You should make your own judgement in regards to use of this document and seek professional advice on your particular circumstances.
See if we Cover Your Area
Enter your details below to see if you're covered.
Your car may be smarter than you think Learn more in our guide to ADAS
We are trusted by lots of happy customers Read our reviews
© The Windscreen Company 2025. All Rights Reserved.
The Windscreen Company is a registered company in England.
Registered Number: 3545701 VAT Number: 720 0628 78
By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, assist in our marketing efforts, and for personalised advertising.