How to park safely

How to park safely

It's not only moving vehicles that are potential hazards on the road. Parked vehicles can be hazards too. That's why it's important to follow the safe parking rules and guidelines shown in this section.

Safe parking rules

By law, you must follow these rules when parking:

• Indicate for at least three seconds before slowing down to park.
• Park parallel to the road and as close to the left as possible, unless you are parking in an area where angle parking is permitted. There will be lines on the road (or signs) to show where you can angle park.
• Move as far off the road as possible when stopping or parking on a road with fast-moving traffic.
• Always check for passing vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians before opening your door.
• Be careful when pulling out of a parking space. Don't forget to:
  • check for vehicles
  • signal for at least three seconds before pulling out.
• A motor vehicle must not be parked on the road during the hours of darkness unless it is clearly visible to other road users. This means it should be lit by street lights, or you should turn on the tail lights and the side light nearest the centre of the road on the front of the vehicle.
• A light, flat-decked vehicle that is parked on the street at night must display a rear red light that:
  • is on the side of the vehicle closest to the centre of the road
  • is visible at a distance of 100 metres.

Safe parking guidelines

Following the guidelines below will ensure that when you park your vehicle it won't move forward or backward:

• When parking uphill on a steep road:
  • turn the front wheels away from the kerb
  • leave your car in first gear if it's manual or in park if it's automatic.
• When parking downhill on a steep road:
  • turn the front wheels towards the kerb
  • leave your car in reverse gear if it's manual or in park if it's automatic.