Waiting and parking (238 to 252)
Rules for waiting and parking, including rules on parking at night and decriminalised parking enforcement.
General (rule 238)
Rule 238
You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone) – see ‘Traffic signs’ and ‘Road markings’. Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings (see ‘Road markings’) when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping.
Parking (rules 239 to 247)
Rule 239
Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the roadside:
- do not park facing against the traffic flow
- stop as close as you can to the side
- do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge: remember, the occupant may need more room to get in or out
- you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights
- you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
- you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for cyclists or other traffic by looking all around and using your mirrors
- where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement
- it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb
- put all valuables out of sight and make sure your vehicle is secure
- lock your vehicle.
Before using a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST make sure it is safe to do so. Then, you should move the vehicle into the parking space in the safest way, and by the shortest route possible.
When you use a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST remain in control of the vehicle at all times. Do not use the hand-held device for anything else while you are using it to help you park, and do not put anyone in danger. Use the hand-held device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables. Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.
Rule 239: Check before opening your door
Rule 240
You MUST NOT stop or park on
- the carriageway, an emergency area or a hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency (see Rules 270 and 271)
- a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines (see Rule 191)
- a clearway (see Traffic signs)
- 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 (see Traffic signs)
- 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 tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
- a cycle track
- red lines, in the case of specially designated ‘red routes’, unless otherwise indicated by signs. Any vehicle may enter a bus lane to stop, load or unload where this is not prohibited (see Rule 141).
Rule 241
You MUST NOT park in parking spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, unless entitled to do so.
Rule 242
You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.
Rule 243
DO NOT stop or park:
- near a school entrance
- anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
- at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
- on the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing
- 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
- opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
- where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
- where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
- in front of an entrance to a property
- on a bend
- where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities
except when forced to do so by stationary traffic.
In Scotland you MUST NOT double park or park anywhere the kerb has been lowered to help pedestrians or cyclists. Exceptions are allowed in limited circumstances.
Rule 244
You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland. Exceptions are allowed in limited circumstances. You should not park partially or wholly on the pavement elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.
Rule 245
Controlled Parking Zones. The zone entry signs indicate the times when the waiting restrictions within the zone are in force. Parking may be allowed in some places at other times. Otherwise parking will be within separately signed and marked bays.
Rule 246
Goods vehicles. Vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 7.5 tonnes (including any trailer) MUST NOT be parked on a verge, pavement or any land situated between carriageways, without police permission. The only exception is when parking is essential for loading and unloading, in which case the vehicle MUST NOT be left unattended.
Rule 247
Loading and unloading. Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advise restrictions are in place (see ‘Road markings’). This may be permitted where parking is otherwise restricted. On red routes, specially marked and signed bays indicate where and when loading and unloading is permitted.
Parking at night (rules 248 to 252)
Rule 248
You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.
Rule 249
All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Rule 250
Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 2500 kg laden weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are:
- at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow
- in a recognised parking place or lay-by.
Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights.
Rule 251
Parking in fog. It is especially dangerous to park on the road in fog. If it is unavoidable, leave your parking lights or sidelights on.
Rule 252
Parking on hills. If you park on a hill you should:
- park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly
- select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill
- select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill
- use ‘park’ if your car has an automatic gearbox.
Rule 252: Turn your wheels away from the kerb when parking facing uphill. Turn them towards the kerb when parking facing downhill
Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE)
DPE is becoming increasingly common as more authorities take on this role. The local traffic authority assumes responsibility for enforcing many parking contraventions in place of the police. Further details on DPE may be found at the following websites:
Traffic penalty tribunal (outside London)
London Tribunals (inside London)
Waiting and Parking: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
The key parking rules cover waiting restrictions, prohibited stopping places, safe parking, parking at night and parking on hills.
Read the parking restrictions
Yellow lines restrict waiting according to the times shown on nearby signs or zone entry signs. Double yellow lines indicate no waiting at any time, subject to any specific signs.
Check signs before parking
Do not rely on road markings alone. Check nearby plates and zone entry signs for the restrictions and times that apply where you want to stop.
Yellow lines vs double yellow
A common trap is assuming all yellow lines mean the same thing. Single yellow lines depend on the stated restriction; double yellow lines indicate no waiting at any time.
Park safely and legally
Where possible, use an off-street car park or a marked parking bay. If stopping at the roadside, park with the traffic flow, keep close to the side and avoid creating danger or unnecessary obstruction.
Think before opening the door
Check mirrors and look around before opening a door. Where practical, using the hand opposite the door helps you turn and check for cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users.
What should you do before leaving?
Remember the basic sequence: secure the vehicle, apply the handbrake, switch off the required lights and engine, and check around the vehicle before opening doors.
Know where stopping is prohibited
Do not stop or park on places such as pedestrian crossings, clearways, cycle tracks, active tram or cycle lanes, motorway carriageways or hard shoulders except where the rules allow it.
Look for vulnerable road users
Avoid stopping where you would block pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, emergency services or other road users. A legal parking space can still be unsafe if your vehicle creates an obstruction.
Where must you not stop?
Expect questions about pedestrian crossings, junctions, bus and tram stops, emergency access, cycle facilities, clearways and other locations where stopping could cause danger or obstruction.
Consider the surrounding road
Do not park where you would obstruct entrances, junctions, crossings, cyclists or emergency access. Restrictions can also apply to pavements, verges, loading areas and controlled parking zones.
Pavement parking is not automatically allowed
Parking partly or wholly on the pavement can obstruct people walking or using mobility aids. In areas where it is restricted, do not assume part of the pavement is available simply because there is room.
What changes in Scotland or London?
Theory Test questions can test regional parking rules. In particular, remember that pavement parking restrictions differ by location, so always consider the signs and the part of the UK involved.
Parking at night and on hills
At night, park with the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space and follow the applicable lighting requirements. On hills, secure the vehicle and position the wheels according to the direction of the slope.
Remember the hill rule
Facing uphill, turn the wheels away from the kerb. Facing downhill, turn them towards the kerb. Apply the handbrake firmly and select an appropriate gear or Park.
Which way should the wheels turn?
Uphill = away from the kerb. Downhill = towards the kerb. This is one of the easiest parking rules to remember and a common Theory Test point.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Parking questions often test small differences between markings, locations and situations that appear similar.
Waiting and Parking: Theory Test FAQ
What do yellow lines mean when parking?
Yellow lines indicate waiting restrictions. Single yellow lines operate according to the times shown on nearby signs or zone entry signs, while double yellow lines indicate no waiting at any time, subject to any specific signs.
Can I stop on double yellow lines to pick up passengers?
Yellow-line rules concern waiting, so some activities may be permitted where no other restriction applies. However, you must always check the signs and markings for any additional stopping or loading restrictions.
Where must you not stop or park?
Examples include pedestrian crossings, clearways, cycle tracks, certain active tram or cycle lanes, motorway carriageways and places where your vehicle would create danger or unnecessary obstruction.
How should you park on the road at night?
Park in the direction of traffic flow unless you are in a recognised parking space. Follow the applicable lighting requirements for the road and vehicle.
Which way should you turn your wheels when parking on a hill?
Facing uphill: turn the wheels away from the kerb. Facing downhill: turn them towards the kerb. Apply the handbrake firmly and select an appropriate gear or Park.
What should you do before opening your car door?
Check your mirrors and look around for cyclists, motorcyclists and other traffic. Where practical, using the hand opposite the door helps you turn and check over your shoulder.
Can you park on the pavement in the UK?
The rules depend on location. Pavement parking is prohibited in London and Scotland subject to limited exceptions, while elsewhere it should not be done unless signs permit it. Always check the local rule and signs.
What is a Controlled Parking Zone?
A Controlled Parking Zone uses zone entry signs to show when waiting restrictions apply within the zone. Individual parking areas may have their own signs and marked bays.
Can I park in a space reserved for Blue Badge holders?
No, unless you are entitled to use it. Parking spaces reserved for specific users, including Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, must only be used by those entitled to do so.
What should you remember about parking near junctions?
Do not stop or park where you would obstruct visibility, traffic flow or other road users. The Highway Code also specifies restrictions around junctions, subject to authorised parking arrangements.
What are the main Theory Test points about parking?
Focus on reading signs and markings, knowing where stopping is prohibited, parking with the traffic flow, avoiding obstruction, checking before opening doors, understanding night parking and remembering the correct wheel position on hills.