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Results of an RAA road rules quiz show most drivers don’t understand basic rules around car parking and may be leaving themselves open to potential fines, prompting a call for motorists to brush up on their knowledge.
Only 44% of respondents to the quiz in RAA’s samove magazine knew that drivers are allowed to stop in a ‘no parking’ zone for up to two minutes to load or unload passengers or goods, with a large portion believing it was illegal to stop in those zones at all.
Further, only 37% knew they were required to leave a 3-metre gap when parking opposite another car on a narrow street.
When it came to parallel parking, only 22% of respondents knew they were required to leave a minimum gap of one metre in front and behind when parallel parking on a road without marked spaces.
The quiz had more than 3,500 respondents.
RAA Senior Manager Safety & Infrastructure Charles Mountain said many of the road rules surrounding car parking were complex, and drivers should brush up on them to avoid a fine.
“Carparking rules can be complex and technical, but knowing what they are is important,” Mr Mountain said.
“It’s concerning that only 37% of respondents knew they were required to leave a 3-metre gap when parking opposite another car on a narrow street.
“This is a real problem as more vehicles are parking in our local streets than ever which can restrict access for ambulances, fire appliances and waste collection trucks.
“Also, knowing the minimum gap to leave when parallel parking is important to allow drivers to get out of a parking area, and give people access to the rear of their vehicles to load or unload items.
“Finding somewhere to park can be difficult, especially in the CBD and metropolitan shopping precincts, so knowing things like minimum distances to leave between other vehicles will ensure you avoid a fine and show common courtesy to other drivers.”
Mr Mountain encouraged drivers to regularly brush up on their road rules knowledge online.
“We encourage all road users to review current road rules online – the State Government’s My Licence website is a great resource where you can do this.
“Some new road rules were introduced earlier this year, so drivers should familiarise themselves with them to avoid confusion on the road and ensure they’re obeying the law.
“If you have any specific questions, you can also contact RAA’s Road Safety team for advice on either roadsafety@raa.com.au or 8202 4517.”
| Can you stop your vehicle in a ‘no parking’ zone? | % of Respondents |
| A: Yes, but only for up to five minutes when picking up or dropping off passengers or goods | 15% |
| B: Yes, but only for up to two minutes when picking up or dropping off passengers or goods (correct) | 44% |
| C: No, you can’t ever stop in a ‘no parking’ zone | 41% |
| When parallel parking on a road without marked parking bays, what’s the minimum space you need to leave between your vehicle and the vehicle in front or behind? | |
| A: 1.5m | 21% |
| B: Two metres | 6% |
| C: As much as practicable to allow any other vehicles to exit their parking space | 51% |
| D: One metre (correct) | 22% |
| When parking on a narrow street, opposite another parked vehicle, what is the minimum distance you need to leave between the two vehicles? | |
| A: Two metres | 7% |
| B: Five metres | 10% |
| C: Three metres (correct) | 37% |
| D: There’s no minimum distance but drivers should leave enough space for vehicles to pass | 46% |
| Can you legally reverse into an angle parking space on the side of the road? | |
| A: Yes, but only when the angle is 90 degrees, or the space is signposted as ‘rear in’ (correct) | 43% |
| B: Yes, but only when the angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees | 10% |
| C: No, not under any circumstances | 47% |