Parking on hills and curves
Visibility rules for parking near crests, curves and bends.
Last reviewed by NSW Parking Rules editorial team:
Parking on a hill or curve can be unsafe where approaching drivers cannot see your vehicle in time.
If this rule is connected to a fine
Overview
Crests and curves reduce sight distance. A legal-looking kerb can still be unsafe if the parked vehicle is hidden from approaching traffic.
What the rule means
Parking on a hill or curve can be unsafe where approaching drivers cannot see your vehicle in time.
Practical details
Official detail
Parking near crests and curves can be unsafe where approaching drivers cannot see the parked vehicle with enough time to react.
What to check on the street
Walk back and look from the direction of approaching traffic, not just from where the vehicle is parked.
Everyday example
A shoulder that looks wide from inside the car may still be hidden by the shape of the road.
First checks to make on the street
- Read the nearest sign face, including arrows, days and times.
- Walk back and look from the direction of approaching traffic, not just from where the vehicle is parked.
- You park outside a built-up area on or near a crest or curve.
- Do not rely on this common shortcut: treating the absence of signs as permission.
When the rule applies
- You park outside a built-up area on or near a crest or curve.
- Visibility is limited by the road shape.
- A parking sign gives a specific instruction.
Examples
- Parking just beyond a bend on a rural road.
- Stopping near the top of a hill where approaching drivers have limited view.
- Leaving a vehicle on a curved shoulder because there is no sign.
Common mistakes
- Treating the absence of signs as permission.
- Judging visibility only from the parked vehicle.
- Ignoring how fast approaching traffic may be travelling.
Exceptions
- A sign may provide a safe marked parking area.
- Emergency stops may be assessed differently.
- Built-up-area and road-layout details should be checked carefully.
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 on hills and curves 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.