Parking near double dividing lines
Rules for parking where the road has double dividing lines.
Last reviewed by NSW Parking Rules editorial team:
Parking close to double dividing lines can leave too little room for traffic to pass safely.
If this rule is connected to a fine
Overview
Double dividing lines often appear where overtaking or crossing the centre line is restricted. Parking too close can force vehicles into unsafe positions.
What the rule means
Parking close to double dividing lines can leave too little room for traffic to pass safely.
Practical details
Official detail
Parking near double dividing lines can leave passing traffic without enough safe lane width, even if the kerb itself is unsigned.
What to check on the street
Check the remaining lane width, parked vehicles opposite, curves and whether traffic would be forced toward the dividing lines.
Everyday example
A small car might squeeze through, but a bus or emergency vehicle may not have enough room.
First checks to make on the street
- Read the nearest sign face, including arrows, days and times.
- Check the remaining lane width, parked vehicles opposite, curves and whether traffic would be forced toward the dividing lines.
- The road has double dividing lines.
- Do not rely on this common shortcut: checking only the kerb side and not the centre-line clearance.
When the rule applies
- The road has double dividing lines.
- Your parked vehicle narrows the traffic lane.
- There is no marked parking bay or sign allowing the position.
Examples
- Parking on a narrow street beside double lines.
- Leaving a car where passing vehicles must cross the lines.
- Stopping opposite parked cars near double dividing lines.
Common mistakes
- Checking only the kerb side and not the centre-line clearance.
- Assuming residential streets are too quiet for the rule to matter.
- Parking a wide vehicle where smaller cars might still fit.
Exceptions
- Marked parking bays can change the practical answer.
- Temporary traffic control can alter lane use.
- Emergency directions can override ordinary restrictions.
Fines and penalties
Possible penalties depend on the current offence code, location, time and evidence. Check the notice itself and official NSW sources.
What to do if you receive a fine
Read the notice, check the sign and location details, gather photos or permits, then decide whether to pay or request a review.
- Check whether the notice names Parking near double dividing lines or a related offence.
- Compare the notice time and location with photos of the sign, road marking or kerb layout.
- Keep any permit, ticket, payment record, loading record or written authority if it changes the answer.
- Use Revenue NSW or the authority named on the notice for payment and review steps.
Related parking rules
Related parking signs
Official sources
Use these official sources to confirm the current rule, fine amount, sign wording or local council condition before relying on a parking decision.
- Transport for NSW
Official transport guidance and road user information for New South Wales.
- NSW legislation
Official NSW legislation source for road rules and statutory instruments.
General information only.
This guide is independent and does not replace NSW legislation, the sign at the kerb, your penalty notice or advice from the relevant authority.