Yellow line parking rules: When you can park on single and double lines explained 

Have you ever been endlessly driving round a town or city centre looking for a seemingly non-existent parking space?

Then you catch a glimpse of a spot just the right size, but slide alongside it only to find that there was a single or double yellow line cruelly hidden from view.

In fact, that circumstance is not fatal to your search for a place to pull up.

Find all the information you need about parking on single and double yellow lines below.

When can you park on a double yellow line?

You cannot park on a double yellow line at any time, with a few exceptions.

You can quickly stop on double yellows to load or unload heavy items, or if you are a Blue Badge holder.

To find out if you are eligible for a blue badge click here. 

However, there could still be restrictions which overrule the exceptions, so always look out for signs if you think that one applies to you.

When can you park on a single yellow line?

Always look out for signs with times on when trying to park on single yellow lines

Single yellow lines should be accompanied by a sign with times written on it, and maybe an instruction of some kind too.

The times indicated on these signs are not consistent, so be sure to check because you are prohibited from waiting or parking on the line during the times displayed.

However, you can usually stop to drop off or pick up passengers – unless signs say otherwise – at any time.

But a further complication is that when there are pairs of small yellow lines on the pavement at right angles to the single yellow line on the road, you cannot load or unload at any time.

If those markings are single rather than paired, signs will once again be your port of call.

What about red lines?

You are never allowed to stop, load, or park on double red lines, unless you are a Blue Badge holder

Red lines, most often seen in city centres, are like yellow lines but even stricter.

Double red lines remove any possibility of stopping for even a short time.

On a single red line you are not allowed to stop, load, or park, for any length of time at all during a time period indicated on nearby signs.

On double red lines you can never stop, load, or park, for any length of time.

However, Blue Badge holders are still allowed to be dropped off or picked up on red lines, unless specifically told not to.

What happens if I park in the wrong place?

If you park on a single or double yellow line and get it wrong you could find yourself with a parking ticket

If you park where you are not allowed to, you may be issued with a parking ticket. 

There is no limit on how much you can be charged for a parking ticket, and you usually have 28 days to pay once you have been issued a ticket, or risk building up a huge fine.

Paying off your ticket within two weeks can result in a reduced fee by up to 50%.

You can also appeal a parking ticket if you believe you have a case.