Double Yellow Lines

Double yellow lines along the left of the road can be a misunderstood by many as they are often thought of as no stopping under any circumstances.

Although there can be exceptions to parking on double yellow lines, it is often an offence to do so meaning traffic wardens frequent such areas as results are often easily obtained.

This section offers a guide to double yellow line parking rules, vehicles loading or unloading, disabled badge holders and vehicles that stop to board or unload a passenger, plus Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fines for double yellow lines.

Double yellow lines are put in place to prevent motorists from stopping at the side of the road for safety reasons and/or to aid in preventing traffic congestion.

Double yellow lines rules

Double yellow line rules state that a restriction is imposed to motorists to stop where the double yellow lines are in place unless otherwise stated, usually in the form of signs that signify times that are permitted.

If signage is not in place that permits stopping on double yellow lines, motorists are prohibited from stopping 24 hours per day, 7 days per week which includes Sundays and public holidays.

Exceptions to parking on double yellow lines

There are however some exceptions for the parking on double yellow lines law where it becomes legal. These are as follows:

Vehicles loading or unloading whilst on double yellow lines
A vehicle unloading or loading for commercial purposes is permitted to stop on double yellow lines, though the unloading or loading must be continuous, must not exceed 40 minutes for heavy goods vehicles, 20 minutes for cars or light goods vehicles and that there must not be waiting restriction kerb markings or signs in place. Loading or unloading must be obvious to the Civil Enforcement Officer (parking attendant).

Picking up or dropping off passengers on double yellow lines
Motorists that briefly stop on double yellow lines to pick up or drop off passengers are permitted providing no stopping restrictions are in force.

Disabled blue badge holders parking on double yellow lines
Vehicles displaying a valid blue badge are permitted to park on double yellow lines up to a maximum of 3 hours providing there are no loading restriction in place. Disabled blue badges must be displayed at all times as well as the accompanying time clock. The time clock must be set to the time of arrival. Although parking on double yellow lines is permitted, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure they park in an area where they do not cause an obstruction, hazard or danger to other road users.

Authority services
Authority services such as the police and ambulance authorities are permitted to stop and park on double yellow lines providing they are engaged on official duties.

Can You Park on the Pavement Next to Double Yellow Lines

That’s quite a common question, or ‘parking on verge, or the other side next to double yellow lines‘. Parking on the pavement has its own potential issues, those aside, whether you want to park behind double yellow lines, the other side of them, whether there’s a pavement or a grass verge, the answer is no, it’s illegal.

Waiting restrictions apply from the centre of the carriageway to the back of the pavement (building line). Even if it’s a seemingly harmless grass verge, you’ll still get ticketed as it’s council property.

Vehicle Overhangs Double Yellow Lines

Motorists are often caught out by ensuring that the tyres are not touching the double yellow lines, but part of their vehicle overhangs the lines. Regulations allow for tickets to be issued if any part of a vehicle overhangs double yellow lines, even if the tyres are not touching them. Most parking officers are urged to use a degree of common sense on this and where tickets are issued due to a vehicle is overhanging the lines by a tiny margin, it may prove beneficial in disputing the violation. Always provide photographic evidence when disputing a case.

Penalty Charge Notice and double yellow lines

Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) are issued to motorists that do not conform to the rules for double yellow lines. With the exception of a commercial vehicle loading or unloading and a blue badge holder, a enforcement personnel will usually wait for around 3-5 minutes before issuing a PCN although if the vehicle is left unattended, a PCN will often be issued immediately.

A PCN is often issued immediately if a vehicle is stopped in a loading and unloading restricted area or within its restricted time zones. Restricted times zones are put in place on double yellow lines to prevent obstruction to the flow of traffic and potential or dangerous hazards.

Double yellow line parking fine

A double yellow line parking fine is usually £70 and if paid within 14 days, is reduced by 50% This may however vary depending on the council borough.

Double yellow line signs

Where a restriction applies all year round, yellow ‘At any time’ signs are no longer used. Double yellow lines may have a sign accompanying them. In this instance, no waiting at any time during the summer months (1 May – 30 Sept) in the direction of the arrow. No waiting at any time throughout the year in the opposite direction (no yellow plate required). The changeover point is indicated in the carriageway by the transverse mark on the double yellow lines.

Restricted loading and unloading on double yellow lines

Kerb markings follow a similar rule to single and double yellow lines. Single yellow lines restrict parking at certain times of day and double yellow lines restrict parking at any time. Yellow kerb markings are painted at right angles to the kerb and enforcement is represented by either a single yellow kerb marking or a double yellow kerb marking used in conjunction with the appropriate no loading sign.

Learner drivers on the driving test

During the driving test, your driving examiner will not ask you to park anywhere illegal such as on double yellow lines in an attempt to see if you park illegally. They will only request that you stop the car on the left in a location that is legal to stop.

RELATED guides for Road Markings and Lines

• Road markings and lines
• Single yellow lines
• What are red routes