Motorists frequently pull up alongside the pavement, whether returning home or popping round to see friends and family. While it may appear straightforward not to park too far from the kerb, many drivers may be unaware that there is actually a specific rule governing the distance you must leave.
Whether you want to ensure you're parking correctly, or are simply curious about what the law states, here is everything you need to know. The Highway Code (Rule 238-252) and related regulations require you to park parallel to the road and close to the kerb.
While no precise distance is typically specified, guidance generally stipulates parking no more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway (kerb line) to avoid obstructing traffic. According to Kwik Fit, parking further out could result in an on-the-spot fine.
Experts advise parking as close to the kerb as possible, as jutting too far into the road could pose a danger to other road users. They also note that parking in front of a dropped kerb is regarded as an obstruction and is a fineable offence.
These dips in the pavement are designed to permit vehicles to cross between the road and a driveway. They serve not only commercial and residential properties, but also provide vital access routes for the emergency services.
Rule 240 of the Highway Code further clarifies that you must never stop or park on:
- the carriageway, an emergency area or a hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency
- 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 pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines
- a clearway
- a tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
- 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
- a cycle track
- red lines, in the case of specially designated ‘red routes’, unless otherwise indicated by signs
However, any vehicle may enter a bus lane to stop, load or unload where this is not prohibited.