Parking in the opposite direction of traffic is an offense that endangers the safety of other users. Although some roads in the countryside offer more flexibility, the general rule prohibits this practice.
Getting back to basics, parking involves turning off the ignition and leaving your car. It is to be differentiated from stopping which is temporary and which does not require switching off the ignition.. Some people sometimes wonder if you can park against the flow of traffic.. Whether this question comes from a novice driver, or an experienced motorist, it is necessary to look into the Highway Code. A reminder of the rules governing parking helps to avoid penalties or accidents. So explore the essential keys to parking properly and to avoid parking against the flow of traffic.
What is the general parking rule?
Very supervised so as not to disturb other users or the flow of traffic, parking consists above all of parking your car in compliance with the rules specific to each area. It is for example prohibited from parking against the flow of traffic, on the left side on a two-way road, on a pedestrian crossing, on the sidewalk, in a disabled place, etc. The Highway Code also contains a classification of the types of parking penalized: dangerous, annoying, very annoying and abusive parking. The latter are categories of offenses associated with progressive penalties ranging from simple 4th class fine (Around €135) to the suspension of the driving license. To avoid parking against the flow of traffic, pay attention to road markings and road signs.
Know if parking is prohibited: signage and signs!
It’s necessary pay attention to vertical (signs) and horizontal signage (ground markings). They indicate if you can park, if parking is paid, free, limited in time or reserved for a category of vehicle or users (goods delivery vehicles, disabled drivers). It is therefore essential to look for signs indicating parking restrictions: generally recognizable by their disc shape, white background and red slash. If there is no sign nearby, there are still ground markings such as solid yellow lines, which prohibit all parking, or blue lines, indicating the existence of parking limited in time.
Here’s how you can park on a two-way street!
When parking on a two-way street, it is important to respect the parking rules in force. First of all, check if there are signs indicating permitted or prohibited parking areas. If you can park, make sure you park on the correct side of the street, respecting the road markings and leaving enough space for the circulation of others vehicles. Also keep in mind any possible temporary parking restrictions, such as on market days or peak times. By following these guidelines you will be able to park safely on a two-way street in France.
Parking is prohibited: places and areas to avoid!
Parking is generally prohibited in the following cases: near intersections, pedestrian crossings, bus/tram stops, fire hydrantsas well as in front of the entrances to garage, warning signs prohibiting park, or in areas reserved for priority vehicles. In addition, it is important to respect paid parking zones and regulated parking hours. Finally, parking can be temporarily prohibited during special events, road works, or by temporary signs indicating a restriction. It is therefore essential to check road signs and road markings to determine whether parking is permitted or prohibited on a given street.
Is it possible to park on the left? When and how ?
Parking on the left on a two-way street is generally permitted when permitted by road signs or ground markings. However, it is important to respect certain rules. For example, it is often prohibited to park on the left near intersections, pedestrian crossings, bus or tram stops, fire hydrants, or in front of garage entrances. Additionally, it should be borne in mind that parking on the left can result in reduced visibility for other drivers, so it is recommended to do so carefully, making sure not to obstruct traffic. Like always, it is essential to check traffic signs and markings on the ground to find out the specific rules for parking on the left on a given street.
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