Car park etiquette rules
With the holidays upon us, parking spaces can go at a premium and cause some motorists to forget basic etiquette. When this happens in car parks, tempers can fray, delays increase, and otherwise reasonable people end up doing things they later regret. But there’s no need to end up in a stoush; a little courtesy goes a long way and ensures we all get home safely and with our dignity intact.
Also, many may not realise that car parks are legally classed as ‘road-related areas’, which means the usual road rules still apply under state legislation. Use these car parking tips to guide you, and feel free to suggest any new ones we might have missed.
1. If it isn’t a spot, don’t park there
In busy holiday car parks, only park in clearly marked parking bays. Avoid parking at the end of aisles, in hatched zones, on kerbs or across driveways, even if there seems to be enough space. These areas are designed for turning and visibility, not extra parking. Using them can block traffic, frustrate other drivers, and increase your risk of scrapes, low‑speed crashes or fines. Stick to designated spaces every time.
2. Park straight and between the lines
Good car park etiquette starts with parking straight and within the lines. Take a moment to centre your vehicle in the bay so doors can open safely on both sides. Crooked parking or hugging the line makes it hard for owners of neighbouring vehicles to get kids, prams or shopping in and out, and increases the risk of door dents. If you are not happy with your position, reverse out and adjust rather than leaving it.
3. Let drivers out of their spots
Safe car park driving means letting other drivers reverse safely from their bays. If you see reversing lights, stop early and give the car space rather than sitting right behind their bumper. Crowding a car trying to leave only slows everyone down and increases the risk of a low‑speed collision. Make eye contact, be patient, and allow the car to fully exit before moving forward. Small courtesies like this reduce congestion and stress in busy car parks.
4. If you don’t have a car you can’t save a parking spot
Saving a parking spot by standing in it is poor car park etiquette and can quickly cause conflict. Parking spaces are for vehicles, not people, so avoid sending a passenger ahead to ‘reserve’ a bay. This behaviour is unsafe for the person on foot and infuriating for other drivers who are waiting fairly. Always queue in your car, take the next available legal space, and remember that staying calm matters more than parking right at the door.
Struggling to find available parking spaces? Download the My NRMA app to search for the best deals on parking then book and pay for a space.
5. Do not leave your shopping trolley untethered
Responsible parking etiquette includes dealing with your shopping trolley properly. Always return your trolley to the designated bay, even if it means walking a little further. Loose trolleys can roll into parked cars, block spaces, trip pedestrians and cause avoidable damage. In windy or sloping car parks, a runaway trolley can easily leave a dent. Taking 30 seconds to secure your trolley shows respect for other drivers, protects vehicles, and helps keep the car park safe.
6. Drive slowly and defensively
Safe carpark driving means slowing right down and expecting the unexpected. Pedestrians, prams, children, trolleys and cars can appear suddenly from between vehicles. Drive at walking pace, cover your brake and watch for reversing lights and indicators. Avoid distractions such as checking your phone or adjusting music while manoeuvring. In tight spaces with poor visibility, a few extra seconds of care can prevent a prang, protect vulnerable pedestrians, and keep your insurance record clean.
7. Road rules apply in car parks
Many drivers forget that normal road rules still apply in private car parks. Obey posted speed limits, one‑way arrows, stop signs and pedestrian crossings, just as you would on the road. Failing to give way, speeding or driving dangerously in a car park can still lead to fines, demerit points and insurance headaches. Always indicate clearly when turning or reversing, keep to your side of the aisle, and be prepared for sudden stops in busy shopping centres.
8. Don’t take up two spaces
In residential areas where unmarked parking is limited, always try to park towards the end of an open space. If the spot is by a driveway, leave a reasonable amount of room for another car to enter/exit. Even in smaller spaces, where there may not room for two large cars, there may be room for a small car or a motorcycle, so be considerate.
The same goes for spaces in car parks. It's poor manners to park across two spaces, as it leaves less room for others to park.
9. Indicate clearly and fairly
Clear signalling helps avoid car park arguments over who gets a space. When you see a car about to leave, use your indicator early to show you are waiting. If another car already has its blinker on and is correctly positioned, accept that the spot is theirs and move on. When two drivers arrive at the same time, the one best placed to enter safely should usually take it. Fair, predictable behaviour keeps tempers down and traffic flowing.
10. What to do after a prang
If you're involved in a prang, prioritise safety first. If there are severe injuries or major damage, call emergency services and the police. Otherwise, seek first aid if anyone requires it, then move the vehicles to a safe nearby area if it is safe and legal to do so. Follow this guide to what to do in a car accident, and when talking to other parties simply describe what happened. Take down details and statements of witnesses to the bingle.
11. If you bump someone else’s car
If you bump a parked car, the right thing to do is take responsibility. Stop, check for damage on the other owner’s car and if there is some, leave a note under the wiper with your name, contact number and a brief message. Take clear photos of both vehicles and the surroundings for your own records. Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible. Leaving without details can be treated as failing to stop after an accident.
