Millions of drivers could be breaking the Highway Code everyday without realising it. One of the least known rules of the code is how homeowners should park on their driveway.
The Highway Code states that drivers shouldn’t pull onto their driveway facing forwards. Reversing out may potentially put other motorists and pedestrians at risk. Rule 201 of the Highway Code, found in the section on reversing, states: “When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can.” This means drivers should avoid pulling forward into their driveway when they arrive home.
A motoring expert at Yell explained: “According to the rules of the road, drivers should reverse into their driveways rather than driving in forward and reversing out later. While there’s no specific law against it, reversing onto a busy road can be seen as careless and inconsiderate driving, especially if it causes an obstruction or puts other road users at risk.”
Motoring experts at Yell say there is no specific law against it but reversing onto a busy road can be seen as “careless and inconsiderate”, they added “Motorists could face an unlimited fine and receive between three and nine penalty points on their licence for certain offences. The reasoning is simple – safety and visibility.”
There is other Highway Code guidance surrounding property, number 243 of the Highway Code states that a vehicle should never be parked blocking a property entrance. It also outlines a number of other locations, such as near school entrances or close to a bus, tram stop or taxi rank.
According to the Highway Code, motorists are not allowed to park on dropped kerbs that appear in front of a driveway. You might even get a ticket if your vehicle is only partially covering one. The only exception to this is if a driver is forced to stop or park as a result of stationary traffic.
However, according to the RAC, it is legal to park outside someone’s house, as long as their entrance is not blocked and they have enough space to access their property. Therefore, the space outside your home is not automatically reserved for you, and parking there is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Rule 241 reminds motorists that they must not park in spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles unless they are entitled to do so.