UK motorists are being alerted to a lesser-known Highway Code rule that could result in a substantial fine due to incorrect night-time parking. The Highway Code states it’s unlawful to park against the direction of traffic after dark, unless in a designated parking bay.
The rationale behind this rule is visibility: headlights are designed to reflect off the rear of a car, not the front. Incorrectly parked vehicles become more difficult to see, heightening the risk of accidents.
Ian Lowe, road safety expert at GM Direct Hire, said: “Most drivers don’t think twice about which way they leave their car, but the Highway Code is clear: parking the wrong way at night is a safety hazard. Headlights don’t illuminate the front of a parked car, which means it becomes almost invisible to oncoming traffic. It’s a simple oversight that could cost lives – and land you with a fine.”
While the “wrong way” parking rule may surprise many drivers, Mr Lowe cautioned that it’s just one of several common errors that could lead to fines.