Yellow line parking rules: When you can park on single and double lines explained
Yellow line parking rules: when you can park on single and double lines explained
- Finding a parking spot can be stressful, especially if you’re in a hurry
- Have you ever been tempted to risk your arm on a double or single yellow?
- Read on to learn all about parking on yellow lines
Have you ever driven endlessly through a city or city center looking for a seemingly non-existent parking space?
Then you catch a glimpse of a spot of just the right size, only to glide past it to discover that a single or double yellow line had been cruelly hidden from view.
In fact, that circumstance is not fatal to your search for a stopping place.
Find below all information about parking on single and double yellow lines.
You may never park on a double yellow line, with a few exceptions, but you may stop quickly
When can you park on a double yellow line?
You are not allowed to park on a double yellow line at any time, with a few exceptions.
You can quickly stop on double yellow points to load or unload heavy items, or if you are a Blue Badge holder.
Click to see if you qualify for a blue badge here.
However, there may still be restrictions that overrule the exceptions, so always keep an eye out for signs if you think one might apply to you.
When are you allowed to park on one yellow line?
Always look for timed signs when trying to park on some of the yellow lines
Some yellow lines should be accompanied by a board with times on it, and perhaps some instruction as well.
The times indicated on these signs do not match, so check carefully, as it is forbidden to wait or park on the line during the times shown.
However, you can usually stop at any time to drop off or pick up passengers – unless signs indicate otherwise.
But an additional complication is that when there are pairs of yellow lines on the sidewalk at right angles to the single yellow line on the road, you cannot load or unload at any time.
If those markers are single rather than paired, boards are again your port of call.
What about red lines?
You must never stop, load or park on double red lines unless you hold a Blue Badge
Red lines, most often seen in city centers, are like yellow lines, only stricter.
Double red lines rule out any possibility of stopping even for a short time.
On a single red line, you may not stop, load, or park for a specified period of time indicated on nearby signs.
You may never stop, load or park for long on double red lines.
However, Blue Badge holders may still be dropped off or picked up on the red lines unless specifically stated otherwise.
What happens if I park in the wrong spot?
If you park on a single or double yellow line and drive the wrong way, you can get a parking ticket
If you park where you are not allowed, you can get a parking ticket.
There’s no limit to how much you can be charged for a parking ticket, and you usually have 28 days to pay once you’ve been issued a ticket, or risk a huge fine.
Paying off your ticket within two weeks can result in a discount of up to 50%.
You can also object to a parking ticket if you believe you have a case.