Can you park on single or double yellow lines? The laws around parking and fines explained

EVERY town and city in the UK has an abundance of yellow lines painted on their roads that tell you where you can and cannot park. Yellow lines mark the edges of roads where local authorities don’t want you to park, and they are used to help reduce congestion and prevent people from stopping in inconvenient places.

This can be in any number of locations, from outside train stations and schools to laybys on A-roads and even on country roads near military bases. But what’s the difference between single yellow lines and double yellow lines, and are there any circumstances in which you can park on them without being fined or receiving a penalty?

What does a single yellow line mean?

If there is a single yellow line painted at the edge of the road, this means that there are parking restrictions, but that they only apply at certain times of the day.

Although restrictions often start at 8am and end at 6pm, this is not always the case so pay attention to the related signs posted at the side of the road.

Stopping is also allowed to load or unload (unless there are specific loading restrictions signposted), or to let passengers climb in or get out of the vehicle, even during the restricted hours. But no waiting is allowed during the controlled hours.

Some areas are designated “Controlled Parking Zones” (CPZ), and these cover a number of streets in an area. Signs are posted at the entries and exits of the zones, and within the zone as parking may be allowed in some places within a CPZ at specific times.

What does a double yellow line mean?

Double yellow lines mean that parking and waiting isn’t allowed at any time, even if there are no signs.

If there are signs saying there are exceptions during certain times (which may be seasonal) but they don’t show what days the restrictions are in force, that means they apply every day including Sundays and Bank Holidays.

There may be white boxes along a route with double yellow lines, in which you can park during the hours indicated and for a specified amount of time. Again, just make sure you read the signs.

Can you park on a single yellow line?

Yes, parking is allowed outside of the restricted hours, which will be displayed on signs at the side of the road, and you’re allowed to wait on a single yellow line during restricted hours while loading or unloading.

Make sure to check signs at the side of the road on which you are stopping rather than visible ones on the other side of the carriageway — in some rare cases, restrictions might differ from one side of a road to another.

Can you park on a double yellow line?

You are not permitted to park on double yellow lines, except when signs indicate the restrictions are seasonal.

Can I park on a single yellow line with a blue badge?

If you are a blue badge holder you are generally required to follow normal parking rules but, as the scheme is designed to allow less able-bodied drivers stop closer to their destination, you are allowed to park on single yellow lines during restricted hours for up to three hours. A blue badge has a parking clock on it that must be set to show the arrival time.

However, some local authorities, such as London, operate different policies, so it’s always best to check the local restrictions. And if there are restrictions on loading an unloading, blue badge holders must follow these rules.

Blue badge holders are not entitled to park on yellow lines in off-street car parks, which are on private land.

Can I park on a double yellow line with a blue badge?

Yes, the same rule applies for double yellow lines, so you can park for up to three hours as long as you display the quarter hour arrival time and respect loading restrictions.

When parking on single or yellow double lines with a blue badge, you must wait for at least one hour after a previous period of parking before you can park the same vehicle in the same road or part of a road on the same day.

What do yellow lines on the kerb indicate?

Single lines marked on the kerbs show that there are times when loading is restricted. Check the signs for hours of operation.

Double yellow lines on the kerb mean loading isn’t permitted at any time.

Can I be fined for parking on a single yellow line?

If you are found to be parked on a single yellow line within restricted hours, then you will be issued with a parking ticket.

Can I be fined for parking on a double yellow line?

Yes. Parking restrictions apply at all times, so a ticket can be issued. If you are loading at a restricted time, then you’ll also be liable to a fine.

Will I get points for parking on a single or double yellow line?

Parking violations do not currently carry penalties that add points to your licence.

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