Motorists could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for breaking a “little-known” parking rule this autumn, according to experts. Drivers may believe they are free to park anywhere on a public street, although certain criteria are in place at night.
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, explained that parking the wrong way on the street may look harmless, but could backfire. When it gets dark, road users must park with the flow of traffic, meaning vehicles cannot point in the wrong direction. Road users accidentally breaking the rules, even if they are parked outside their own houses, could be hit with hefty fines.
Alicia said: “Highway Code Rule 248 is a little-known but important safety rule. It means drivers must not park against the flow of traffic at night unless they’re in a marked parking bay. Breaking this rule could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 for cars, and up to £2,500 for goods vehicles or minibuses. Both the police and local councils can issue these fines.
“While this rule applies all year round, it’s especially important after the clocks go back. Darker evenings and poor weather can make it harder for other drivers to see your vehicle. Parking in the same direction as traffic helps improve visibility and keeps everyone safer on the roads.”
Highway Code Rule 248 states that drivers “must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space”.
The rule is in place because parking facing oncoming traffic can reduce visibility and therefore increase the risk of accidents. Car reflectors are not as effective when traffic is parked the wrong way around, meaning road users could miss major hazards until it is too late.
Mo Rafique, a vehicle security expert from Motor Guards UK, stressed that cars could become an “invisible hazard” on UK streets.
He said: “Drivers often think they’re safe as long as they’re not on a double yellow line. But this rule is about safety, not convenience.
“Parking the wrong way at night means your car’s rear reflectors, which are designed to catch the headlights of oncoming cars, are completely useless. It becomes an invisible hazard.”