Scots drivers warned of £1000 fine for breaking unknown overnight parking rule
The simple error could leave drivers thousands of pounds out of pocket.
Scots motorists are being warned of an overnight parking rule that, if not followed, could result in a £1000 fine. As it stands, there are currently no rules against parking your vehicle at the side of the road in the evening; however, many drivers may not know that if their vehicle is facing the wrong direction, they could be hit with a hefty fine.
According to rule 248 of the Highway Code, motorists are not legally entitled to leave their vehicle facing the direction of the traffic flow overnight. If your car is facing the wrong way, it means other drivers will not be able to clearly see your rear reflectors. If rear reflectors are not visible, it makes it difficult for your car to be spotted when it is very dark.
The Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.”
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Any driver found to be breaking this rule may face a fine of up to £1,000, with mini bus and van drivers being charged £2,500.
Graham Conway, managing director of leading vehicle leasing firm Select Car Leasing, explains: "The Highway Code makes it clear you must not park your car facing towards the flow of traffic on a road at night unless you’re in a marked bay.
"If you break it, you’re risking a fine of up to £1,000, while for vans and minibuses it can soar to £2,500. Correctly parked cars light up in headlights thanks to rear reflectors. Facing the wrong way, you’re practically invisible.”
Salvage firms say they’ve seen countless cars written off after being struck while parked facing towards traffic during the hours of darkness.
The warning comes as many motorists admit they’ve never heard of the rule or have simply forgotten about it since passing their test.
On narrow streets, some drivers find it easier to pull in on the opposite side, but after dark, this could land you in serious trouble.
Mr Conway adds: "The Highway Code’s Rule 248 is crystal clear and police are more than willing to enforce it.
"The best approach to avoid getting into trouble or causing a collision is always park in the same direction as traffic on your side of the road, stick to marked bays where possible, and think about visibility if you are stopping somewhere unlit.
"Ignorance isn’t an excuse - whether you’re in a busy city or a quiet village, this rule applies. Get it wrong and you could face an eye-watering bill before you’ve even put the key in the ignition."