Tips on how to avoid getting a penalty charge notice (PCN)
- Read the signs, not just the lines. The times for single yellow lines and parking bays are on nearby signs, or on the signs where you enter a Controlled Parking Zone. If no days are shown, the restriction applies every day.
- Buy enough time to get the shopping done or finish your meeting and get back to the car. If you pay by phone or app, check that you chose the right location code and vehicle registration, and keep the confirmation.
- Display your ticket correctly, printed side up and readable through the windscreen, and check it has not moved when you close the door.
- Have a back-up way to pay. Some machines take only cards or apps, and others are out of order. Don't leave the car to find change or a working machine without displaying a valid ticket.
- Don't park on double yellow lines unless you are loading or unloading, or letting passengers in or out. Civil enforcement officers watch for signs of loading before issuing a penalty.
- Don't park on single yellow lines during their restricted hours, except to load, unload or let passengers in or out.
- Park wholly within a marked bay. Taking up more than one bay, or parking over the bay markings, can get you a penalty.
- Check the bay is for you. Residents', permit, disabled, loading, car club and electric vehicle charging bays are reserved, as are bus stops and taxi ranks. Look out for suspension signs on bays, which can go up at short notice.
- Don't park across a dropped kerb or on the pavement where it is banned: see dropped kerbs and parking on pavements.
- Know the grace period. In England a council cannot issue a penalty if you overstay your paid or free time in a parking place by 10 minutes or less. There is no grace period on yellow lines or anywhere else parking is not allowed, and Wales has no grace period in law.
- Blue Badge holders: display the badge on the dashboard with the front, showing the hologram and expiry date, facing up. When you park on yellow lines or anywhere with a time limit, also display the blue parking clock set to the quarter hour when you arrived. Don't park in bays reserved for other users unless the signs allow it. See Blue Badge parking.
This page was checked against the law in England and Wales on 22 October 2026. It is general guidance, not legal advice: see the legal disclaimer.