Parking and stopping rules

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose a legal and safe place to stop or park.
• You can read no stopping, no parking and time-limit signs.
• You can park parallel to the kerb, facing the right way and close enough.
• You can leave the right distance from crossings, intersections and other vehicles.
• You can check for cyclists before opening your door.

What you need to know and understand

• No stopping means you cannot stop at all, even to drop someone off; no parking lets you stop briefly to pick up or drop off people or goods if you stay within a short distance of the car.
• You must not stop or park within 20 metres of an intersection with traffic lights, or 10 metres of one without lights (except along the continuous side of a T-intersection), unless a sign allows it.
• You must not stop or park within 20 metres before or 10 metres after a bus stop or a pedestrian crossing, unless a sign allows it.
• You must not stop on a level crossing or within 20 metres either side of it.
• You must not park within 1 metre of a fire hydrant or of another parked vehicle in front or behind, or within 3 metres of double dividing lines.
• A continuous yellow edge line means no stopping.
• Unless signs say otherwise, park parallel and close to the kerb on the left, facing the direction of travel.

Places to keep clear, at a glance

Local councils add their own signs, and some details differ between states (for example, NSW words some of these distances as no parking rather than no stopping), so always read the signs where you park.

• Intersections: 20 metres with traffic lights, 10 metres without (except along the continuous side of a T-intersection).
• Bus stops and pedestrian crossings: 20 metres before, 10 metres after.
• Level crossings: on the crossing or within 20 metres either side.
• Fire hydrants and other parked cars: 1 metre.
• Double dividing lines: 3 metres.
• Driveways, footpaths, bike lanes, clearways during their hours, and yellow edge lines.

Pulling over and parking on the left

1. Choose a legal spot with enough room and no hazards.
2. Check mirrors and blind spot, signal left and slow down.
3. Stop parallel and close to the kerb, facing the direction of traffic.
4. Apply the parking brake, select park or neutral and switch off.
5. Check mirrors and look over your shoulder for cyclists before opening the door.

Reading parking signs

Red signs and symbols restrict you; green signs allow parking, often with a time limit shown as 1P, 2P and so on. The times and days on the sign tell you when the rule applies. If two signs seem to clash, take the more restrictive meaning or park somewhere else.

Common mistakes

• Stopping 'just for a second' in a no stopping zone: there is no grace period.
• Parking too close to a corner, which blocks sight lines for turning drivers and pedestrians.
• Parking facing the wrong way on the right side of the road.
• Opening the door without checking for cyclists and passing traffic.

Test yourself: Parking and stopping rules

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.