Motorists are being urged to exercise caution when choosing where to park, as the RAC has published a list of 18 locations where stopping is prohibited under the Highway Code. The organisation warns that breaching these rules could lead to fines, penalty points, or even disqualification.
While designated parking bays are the obvious choice, the RAC acknowledges that finding one is not always possible. It highlights that parking outside a car park can be a minefield for drivers unaware of the rules, with restrictions varying from time limits to permit requirements.
The most well-known restrictions include double yellow lines, single yellow lines during specific hours, and double red lines. Motorists should also avoid clearways, loading bays, reserved parking spots, and yellow zig-zag markings outside schools, hospitals, or emergency stations. In London and Scotland, parking partially or entirely on the pavement is prohibited, and driving on the pavement is illegal elsewhere in the UK.
Among the 18 prohibited locations listed by the RAC is a road marked with central double white lines, even if a broken white line appears on your side – unless stopping for dropping off, picking up, loading, or unloading. The full list is available on the RAC website.
The RAC reminds drivers that while the Highway Code is not law itself, many of its rules are legal requirements under the Road Traffic Act. Contravening them can result in prosecution, fines, penalty points, disqualification from driving, or imprisonment.
