[2024 Update] Roadside parking: 6 things to look out for to avoid parking tickets

 (Photo Credit: CNA) 

Parking in Singapore isn't as simple as parking in the right lots, placing the right coupons, locking your door and walking off with your heart at ease.

Under the Road Traffic Act, parking your car means to bring a motor vehicle to a stationary position and cause it to wait for any purpose other than that of immediately taking up or setting down persons, goods or luggage.

Yes, that means waiting by the side of the road for your friend to quickly come back with takeaway prata is illegal, and therefore, grounds for a fine. Sucky? Yes. Impossible to avoid? Not at all. Follow these tips to prevent that fine getting between you and your sweet, sweet prata.

1. Parking against the flow of traffic

Yes, you can get summoned just by facing against traffic. Think about it this way, you spend precious time finding a lot, and behold! The road next to you has a free spot and you just drive right in. The road may not look crowded now, but when peak hour hits and you try to back out of the lot, you're going to face a horde of angry drivers silently swearing while you get your car back to facing the correct direction.

Save yourself the hassle, make a U-Turn and park your car the right way!

2. Road markings to watch out for

Double Yellow Line

 (Photo Credit: Sault Online) 

Continuous Double White Line

 (Photo Credit: One Motoring)

Continuous Single White Line

 (Photo Credit: One Motoring)

No parking at all times on these roads. No 2 minute toilet breaks, buying the newspaper, and sadly, no mint chocolate chip from the ice-cream man. It's not worth the $70 fine.

Offences That Carry Demerit Points

 Single White Zig-zag Lines

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

Single Yellow Zig-zag Lines 

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

Double Yellow Zig-zag Lines

 (Photo Credit: One Motoring)

These are the ones you really shouldn't mess with. Parking here messes up traffic flow, earns you about a thousand honks, a fine, and dreaded demerit points.

3. Parking enforcement cameras

(Photo Credit: CNA)

If you see lampposts or sign posts with orange vertical strips, DO NOT PARK. These are CCTV monitoring zones used to catch illegal parking. Watch out for the signs that indicate parking enforcement cameras too.

(Photo Credit: CNA)

No Waiting signs and CCTV cameras have been installed at passenger pick-up points at some MRT stations too so remember to look out because these dish out a whopping $300 fine and 3 demerit points. Avoid these things at all costs.

4. Other spots to avoid

Besides specific road markings, there are other places you plainly should avoid parking at for the sake of yourself and the convenience of other motorists and citizens.

Parking Near Fire Hydrant

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

No parking within 3 meters of a fire hydrant at all times.

Parking Near Intersection

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

No parking within 6 meters of an Intersection or junction of any road or street at all times.

Parking Near Bus Lane 

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

No parking at all times within 9 meters of a bus stop.

Parking Near Pick-Up Point

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

No waiting at these pick-up bays.

Parking Within a Pedestrian Crossing

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

This is road-hogging on another level, and it puts pedestrians painfully close to both your bonnet and oncoming traffic, and puts you in the spotlight on SGRV, Facebook and anywhere else. Bad publicity, a fine, and demerit points are really, really not worth it.

5. Parking or stopping in an obstructive way next to a stationary vehicle

(Photo Credit: One Motoring)

If you park in a manner that blocks another driver from entering, exiting, or in any way obstructs other road users, you may be liable for a fine and demerit points. 

6. Parking on a single yellow line

(Photo Credit: Fox Valley Paint)

Of course, there's a silver lining. From 7pm to 7am (and all day on Sundays and public holidays), you can park for free on roads with a single yellow line!

Stay safe and drive smart!

Download the new Motorist app now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage LTA and vehicle matters.