Drivers could be slapped with a hefty £1,000 fine for a parking error that many might not even realise is against the rules. Drivers are being urged to remember a little-known rule about parking at night.
Parking your car to face oncoming traffic at night is a direct violation of the Highway Code, according to Rule 248. This states: “You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.”
While Rule 248 does not define what a ‘recognised parking space’ is, guidance fromGreen Flagstates that it usually refers to marked bays. So, parking ‘wrongly’ on a yellow line beyond controlled hours or on a road without markings could leave you at risk of the charge.
“Motorists who park the wrong way on a road could be risking a fine of up to £1,000 without really knowing that they’ve broken the rule,” a spokesperson at car leasing firm Flexed has said. “According to the Highway Code, drivers must park the same way as the flow of traffic at night if a marked parking space is not being used.”
This may seem trivial, but the rule is designed to prevent potentially fatal accidents. Josh The Driver Instructor, which offers online driving test materials, also adds: “Drivers are required to park in the same direction as the flow of traffic if a marked parking space is not being used at night.
“There is however a problem with this rule in that it is not well known by UK motorists. In accordance with the Highway Code, the purpose of this rule is to prevent drivers from parking against the traffic on unlit roads, since this could result in serious accidents, which could have serious consequences.”
Aside from parking errors, there are several other lesser-known driving rules to be mindful of. LeaseCar.uk experts previously informed the Liverpool Echo that significant windscreen smears are actually in violation of the 1986 Road Vehicles Regulations.
This is detailed under annex six of the rulebook, which states: “Take special care that lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers, washers and any audible warning systems are all working.
“Also lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear… [and] windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision.”
Advice from the RAC also adds: “The Highway Code states that drivers should have a full view of the road ahead and glass should be maintained in a good condition. A cracked windscreen can obscure driver view – if a motorist is stopped, it could result in a fixed penalty of three points on their licence and a fine.
“If you’re driving with a cracked windscreen and you have an accident, you could be charged with a more serious driving offence. The accident could be your responsibility because you were driving with a damaged windscreen.”
Drivers who don’t have a complete view of the traffic or road ahead could reportedly face a £1,000 fine, three penalty points and a discretionary disqualification. Those operating goods and commercial vehicles, such as bus and coach drivers, with a poor view of the windscreen could face an even higher fee of £2,500.