How close can you park your car?

Do you know how close you can park your car to street corners, driveways and other cars? What about pedestrian crossings? Read on for all the answers.

A red car driving near a pedestrian crossing

If you park your vehicle too close to certain areas and objects, it could inconvenience other road users or even put lives at risk.

Motorists typically learn common rules about parking distances when obtaining their learner’s permit, but there are some obscure examples. Did you know, for instance, that you must not park within three metres of double dividing lines?

We’ve covered a number of the most common parking distance scenarios below. These rules apply at all times unless a sign indicates otherwise.

1. How close can you park to another car?

When parking on a street, you must leave at least one metre between your car and the one in front and behind yours. Obviously, this does not apply to angled parking or in carparks with designated spaces.

2. How close can you park to an intersection?

You must not park within 20 metres of an intersection with traffic lights, or 10 metres of an intersection with no traffic lights. The only exceptions are for a T-intersection (you can park on the side of the continuing road) or if a sign says otherwise.

3. How close can you park to a driveway?

The NSW road rules do not specify a distance you need to be clear from a driveway, but you can be fined if your parked car is blocking a driveway, so leave some clearance to be safe – and courteous!

4. How close can you park to a post box?

You must not park within three metres of an Australia Post letter box, although you can stop next to one briefly to post mail (duh!) or drop off and pick up passengers.

5. How close can you park to a pedestrian crossing?

You must not park your car (or stop) within 20 metres before a pedestrian crossing or 10 metres after it. The only exception to the rule is when there is signage indicating otherwise.