YOU'VE been circling the parking spaces for ten minutes and the only spot is on some tantalising yellow lines.
We've all been tempted to park where we shouldn't - but it, like everything good in life, comes at a cost. Here's everything you need to know when it comes to parking on double yellow lines.
Can you park on double yellow lines on a Sunday?
If you want to avoid the frustration and expense of a parking ticket don't park on double yellow lines.
Double yellows mean you cannot park.
Restrictions apply to every day of the week, including Sundays.
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They are also in force across bank holidays.
The Highway Code says double yellow lines indicate "a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs”.
Always be aware of signage at the side of the road.
These signs could indicate seasonal changes when stopping is permitted.
If there are no signs then you should not stop.
Are Sunday parking rules different?
Some drivers might mistakenly believe that parking rules differ on a Sunday - but experts warn that this is not the case.
Drivers making this mistake could receive a penalty charge notice (PCN).
These fines are dished out by local council wardens.
Most parking or waiting fines are enforced as a civil matter, rather than a police matter.
When can you park on double yellow lines?
Despite the general rules of parking on double yellow lines, there are some circumstances in which you may park in these areas.
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If you're a blue badge holder, you can park on double yellow lines for up to three hours.
However, it is important to still continue to follow any restrictions stated on nearby signs and ensure your vehicle is not obstructing or causing danger to others.
You should also ensure that you always display your blue badge with the correct time you parked clearly in your vehicle.
There are also a handful of instances when drivers can park on double yellow lines for a short amount of time.
You can for example, briefly park on double yellow lines to drop off or pick up a passenger - be mindful of causing obstructions when doing so.
Commercial vehicles should always check the signs for hours available for loading and unloading.
If there are single yellow marks on the kerb, then loading is permitted during the times located on the sign.
Double yellow kerb markings mean loading and unloading is not permitted at any time.
There are two levels of fines for PCNs, either £80 or £130 — most are issued at the higher rate.
Gov.UK explains:
- How you pay a parking ticket, Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or PCN depends on what type it is and who issued it.
- You usually have 28 days to pay; in some cases, the fine is reduced if you pay within 14 days.
- If you lose your ticket, contact the ticket issuer to find out how to pay.
- If you do not pay a PCN within 28 days, you’ll get a "charge certificate" and you’ll have 14 days to pay the original fine plus 50% more
- You can get an FPN for parking from the police, local council or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
- If you do not pay an FPN within 28 days, you’ll have to pay 50% more
- You’ll only get penalty points on your licence for certain types of parking FPN, for example for leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position