Common parking rules

Local Government (Highways) Act 1982 - Parked for period longer than indicated

Offence Code: Exceed maximum time limit on a parking meter 

 A vehicle may be parked only for the period of time displayed on the relevant sign. In this example, ¹/₂P indicates a maximum length of stay of 30 minutes. The word "METER" indicates that payment is required via a meter or by using the EasyPark app. Time starts as soon as you stop in the bay.

A vehicle must vacate both the parking bay and zone when the maximum time limit is reached. Making extra payments (known as ‘feeding the meter’) will not reset the time limit. 

The example sign indicates that the maximum length of stay is 30 minutes between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday. There are no parking restrictions outside of those times.

Local Government (Highways) Act 1982 - Meter expired

Offence Code: Expired meter

If a sign says ‘METER’ or 'PAID AREA', you must pay for parking either at the meter or via the EasyPark app, while also abiding by the time limit indicated on the sign. The vehicle must not remain parked in the zone beyond the time period for which payment has been made, even if that period does not exceed the maximum parking time displayed on the sign.

Time starts as soon as you stop in the bay and you must vacate both the parking bay and zone when the maximum time limit is reached. Making extra payments (known as ‘feeding the meter’) will not reset the time limit. 

The example sign indicates that the maximum length of stay is 30 minutes between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday. During those times, payment must be made to adequately cover the length of stay, up to a maximum stay of 30 minutes.

Local Government (Highways) Act 1982 - no valid voucher

Offence Code: Expired voucher / voucher not displayed

In some off-street carparks, a voucher must be displayed to show that payment has been made for parking. Where a sign says ‘VOUCHER’, you must pay for parking, while also abiding by the time limit on the sign. The vehicle must not remain parked in the zone beyond the time period for which payment has been made, even if that period does not exceed the maximum parking time displayed on the sign.

For example, 2P VOUCHER = 2 hour time limit + pay for parking at the voucher machine. To obtain a voucher, go to the nearest voucher machine and follow the instructions. The voucher must be displayed clearly on your vehicle's dashboard.

Road rule 179 - Stopping in a Loading Zone

Offence Code: Stop in a loading zone or Exceed time in a loading zone

Loading Zones are provided for commercial vehicle loading or unloading only, for a maximum of 30 minutes (other conditions may also apply). Eligible vehicles must display the full name and address of the registered operator. Passenger vehicles cannot stop in a loading zone, even if loading or unloading.

The sign indicates a loading zone exists in the direction of the arrow/s.

Road rule 167 - Stopping in a No Stopping area

Offence Code: Disobey No Stopping

A vehicle must not stop in a No Stopping zone for any reason or any length of time. Passengers must not be picked up or set down in this area. No Stopping zones exist to maintain safety and traffic flow.

This sign indicates a No Stopping zone in the direction of the arrow/s.

Road Rule 205 - Parked for period longer than indicated

Offence Code: Parked in excess of time allowed

A vehicle may park only for the indicated period of time, represented by a number, immediately followed by the letter P.  For example, 2P = 2 hour maximum stay within the parking zone. Time starts as soon as you stop in the zone and vehicles must vacate both the parking bay and zone when the maximum time limit is reached.

The example sign indicates free, maximum 2-hour parking from 7 am to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday.