Photo: Ed Harvey / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.
Parking at night in Great Britain has two key rules: you MUST NOT park facing against the traffic flow unless you are in a recognised parking space (Highway Code Rule 248), and you MUST show parking lights on any road or lay-by with a limit over 30 mph (Rule 249). This explainer covers when you can park without lights, parking in fog and on hills, charging an electric car at the kerb, and who enforces parking.
Key facts
- Rule 248: at night, do not park facing against the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.
- Rule 249: parking lights are a MUST where the limit is over 30 mph (48 km/h).
- Rule 250: cars can park without lights on roads of 30 mph or less if at least 10 metres from a junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow, or in a recognised parking place or lay-by.
- Rule 239: at a kerbside charge point, avoid trailing cables that could trip pedestrians.
Do I need parking lights at night?
| Where you park | Car (and goods vehicle up to 2,500 kg laden) |
|---|---|
| Road or lay-by with a limit over 30 mph | Parking lights MUST be on |
| Road with a limit of 30 mph or less, at least 10 metres from a junction, close to the kerb, facing the direction of traffic | No lights needed |
| Recognised parking place or lay-by on a 30 mph or lower road | No lights needed |
| On a 30 mph road but facing the wrong way, or within 10 metres of a junction | Not covered by the exemption: move the car |
The exemption also covers invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles. Other vehicles and trailers, and any vehicle with a projecting load, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights (Rule 250).
Why facing the right way matters
Your rear reflectors face oncoming traffic only when you park in the direction of flow. Parked the wrong way at night, approaching drivers see your headlamps instead, and you have to cross the traffic to leave.
Parking in fog (Rule 251)
Parking on the road in fog is especially dangerous. If you cannot avoid it, leave your parking lights or sidelights on.
Parking on hills (Rule 252)
- Park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly.
- Facing uphill: select a forward gear and turn the steering away from the kerb.
- Facing downhill: select reverse and turn the steering towards the kerb.
- Automatic: select “park”.
Charging an electric car at the kerb (Rule 239)
- Park close to the charge point.
- Route the cable so it does not trail across the pavement and trip pedestrians.
- Display a warning sign if you can.
- When you finish, return cables and connectors neatly so they are not a hazard.
These are advice in Rule 239, not MUST rules.
Every time you leave the car (Rule 239)
- You MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights.
- You MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle.
- You MUST make sure you will not hit anyone when you open the door. Check for cyclists and other traffic.
- Passengers, especially children, should get out on the kerb side.
- Lock the car and keep valuables out of sight.
Where you must never park: parking rules in the Highway Code.
Who enforces parking? (decriminalised parking)
In many areas, local councils rather than the police enforce parking rules under Decriminalised Parking Enforcement. If you want to challenge a council penalty, appeals go to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal outside London, or London Tribunals inside London. Yellow lines, red routes and loading rules: parking restrictions decoded.
Common questions
Is it illegal to park facing the wrong way at night in the UK?
Yes, on a road at night, unless you are in a recognised parking space (Rule 248).
Can I park facing the wrong way during the day?
Rule 248 applies at night. Rule 239 still advises not to park facing against the traffic flow at any time.
Do I need lights when parked on a 40 mph road at night?
Yes. Over 30 mph, parking lights MUST be on (Rule 249).
Can I run a charging cable across the pavement?
Rule 239 says avoid trailing cables that create a trip hazard. Park as close to the charge point as you can.
Which way do I turn my wheels parking downhill?
Towards the kerb, with reverse selected (Rule 252).
Does parking come up on the driving test?
You may be asked to park at the side of the road, in a bay or on the right. See driving test manoeuvres.
Related: using your car lights and driving at night. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Waiting and parking (238 to 252)” (gov.uk)