PARKING RULES
Can I be fined for parking my car on double yellow lines if it has broken down?
Find out how big a fine you could be stung with
BREAKING down on double yellow lines is extremely unlucky, but it happens.
Here's everything you need to know about the fines for parking on the road markings — even when your car is immobilised.
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Can I be fined for parking on double yellow lines?
The Highway Code says that a driver must not stop, park or wait for any period of time on double yellow lines.
If they do so, they can be faced with hefty fines.
However, there are a couple of exceptions if you're only stopping for a short time.
These apply to drivers picking up or dropping someone off — as well as Blue Badge holders for up to three hours.
Parking on a single or double yellow line will could land you with parking fine.
A fixed penalty notice (FPN) or penalty charge notice (PCN) can be issued for parking offences.
FPNs will be £50, £100, £200 or £300 depending on the severity of the offence.
There are two levels of fines for PNCs, either £80 or £130 — most are issued at the higher rate.
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Gov.uk explains:
- How you pay a parking ticket, FPN or PCN depends on what type it is and who issued it.
- You usually have 28 days to pay; in some cases, the fine is reduced if you pay within 14 days.
- If you lose your ticket, contact the ticket issuer to find out how to pay.
- If you do not pay a PCN within 28 days, you’ll get a ‘charge certificate’ and you’ll have 14 days to pay the original fine plus 50% more
- You can get an FPN for parking from the police, local council or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
- If you do not pay an FPN within 28 days, you’ll have to pay 50% more
- You’ll only get penalty points on your licence for certain types of parking FPN, for example for leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position
How to appeal a parking ticket
What if I've broken down on double yellow lines?
If you break down and are forced to pull over onto double yellow lines, you might not be protected by the letter of the law.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “Technically, a broken-down vehicle on double yellow lines is in contravention of parking regulations and a penalty charge notice could be issued.
"But as yellow lines are generally ticketed by hand, it’s unlikely a driver would be given a ticket by a civil enforcement officer in the first place as long as they are with the car and can clearly explain why they’re stuck.
"Enforcement officers tend to be very wary of notes left in cars saying they are broken down.
If a broken down vehicle is in contravention of parking regulations a penalty charge notice may be issued
Brighton and Hove City Council
“Drivers should always endeavour to move their vehicles away from double-yellow lines."
Not every council is likely to fine you for finding safety on a double yellow.
Motorists are advised to pull over immediately and find a safe place if their car breaks down.
And according to Brighton and Hove City Council, you have a good shot appealing a penalty charge if you're slapped with one.
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But you will need to show evidence that you actually broke down.
The council website says: "If a broken down vehicle is in contravention of parking regulations a penalty charge notice may be issued.
"When appealing please supply evidence such as a receipt from the garage, recovery company or a receipt for parts to support your appeal."
Still, it's ultimately up to the individual council to fine you if they want to — the rules may be stricter depending on where you break down.
The AA advises: "When it comes to double yellow lines, the best bet is to assume that you can’t park there at any time."
Ten things YOU should know as a car owner
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
- When is your MOT due? Find out here
- When is your car tax due? Find out here
- Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
- How many units can you drink and drive?
- What do dashboard warning lights mean?
- Is it illegal to drive without road tax?
- Can you be fined for breaking the highway code?
- How to change the address on your driving licence
- What does MOT stand for?
- Is it illegal to park across someone's driveway?
If you do decide to appeal your parking ticket, don't pay it.
Once you've paid, you cannot appeal.
Can I park on a single yellow line?
You cannot park on single yellow lines during control hours set by the council of the area you are parking in.
For Westminster, for example, you cannot park on a single yellow line from Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 6.30pm.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Outside of these times, one can park whenever they want on a single yellow line unless indicated otherwise by any signs left on the kerbs.
You will be able to see the hours of control on large signs when you enter the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) or they'll set up kerbside plates to indicate timings.