Out and about with your car and kids these school holidays?
To help you avoid a parking fine, here’s 5 tips from Council's Rangers on how to stick to the road rules.
Remember, when visiting our beaches, parks and reserves, if you have one, be sure to display your Northern Beaches beach parking permit. You can stay and play at more than 40 locations across the area. National parks permits or day tickets must be displayed when visiting North Head, Ku-ring-gai National Park and Davidson Park.
Tip 1 - Nature strips are a no-go
Avoid the temptation to park on a nature strip or path as this can create a safety hazard for pedestrians. Whether it’s a car, boat or camper trailer, keep your wheels firmly on the road and parallel park in the direction of travel.
Parking on the nature strip can get you a minimum penalty of $302.
Tip 2 - No short stops at bus stops
No matter how quick it is, stopping in a bus zone or 20 metres before or 10 metres after the bus stop, is not allowed. Instead keep your eyes peeled for a legal parking alternative beyond these distances.
Stopping at or near a bus stop, or in a bus zone can get you a penalty of $302 or more.
Tip 3 – Mind the gap in your driveway
Whether it's yours or not, parking on or across a driveway is not allowed. This is so pedestrians can safely access the footpath, which also includes the part of the driveway which cuts across the footpath. Instead, park your car wholly within the front boundary of your property or safely on the street.
Parking across or on a driveway can land you with a penalty of $302 or more.
Tip 4 – Median monitoring
Be sure there’s at least 3 metres between the outside edge of your car and the median strip of double white lines when parking, unless a sign says otherwise. This allows other vehicles to safely pass and helps avoid side scrapes to your car.
Parking within 3 metres of the median strip or white dividing lines can land you a minimum penalty of $302.
Tip 5 – Intersection perfection
Always allow 10 metres from the front or rear of your car and an intersecting road when parking. There are some exceptions, so check for signs.
Parking within 10 metres of an intersection can land you with a $387 penalty or more, and 2 demerit points.
For more tips to avoid a parking ticket download our Parking Guide or search NSW Legislation Road Rules 2014 in your search engine.