British motorists have been cautioned that parking too far from the kerb could lead to an on-the-spot fine, as regulations specify a maximum distance of 50 centimetres. Many drivers frequently pull up alongside the pavement when returning home or visiting friends and family, but may be unaware of the precise legal requirement governing the gap between their vehicle and the kerb.
What the Highway Code Says
According to the Highway Code (Rules 238-252) and related regulations, vehicles must be parked parallel to the road and as close to the kerb as possible. While no exact measurement is typically cited in law, guidance commonly states that cars should be no more than 50cm from the edge of the carriageway to avoid obstructing traffic. Kwik Fit experts warn that parking further out can result in a fine.
Parking too far into the road poses a danger to other road users, so motorists are advised to position their vehicles as near to the kerb as they can. Additionally, parking in front of a dropped kerb is considered an obstruction and is also a fineable offence. These dips in the pavement are designed to allow vehicles to cross between the road and a driveway, serving commercial and residential properties, as well as providing vital access for emergency services.
Where You Must Not Stop or Park
Rule 240 of the Highway Code 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 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. Drivers are reminded to always check local signs and markings to ensure compliance with parking regulations.
