What’s The Fine for Parking on Double Lines?

Are you worried about a fine for parking on double yellow lines? You might be thinking about the cost of the fine or scared about legal issues. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every month, over 32,000 people come here looking for guidance on tickets and fines.

In this helpful guide, we’ll talk about:

• Why you get a fine for parking on double yellow lines.
• How to fight the fine and maybe win.
• Who gives out these fines.
• What happens if you don’t pay a fine.
• How a fine might change your insurance costs.

We have lots of experience with tickets and fines, so we understand how you feel, and we’re here to help. Let’s dive in and learn how to deal with your fine.

What are the rules for parking on double yellow lines?

According to the Highway Code, stopping, waiting or parking on double yellow lines is a no-no. Moreover, there don’t have to be any signs saying that parking is not permitted for you to earn a PCN!

In the words of the Highway Code double yellow lines means ‘waiting at any time is prohibited’.

But there are a couple of exceptions to the Highway Code rule which I’ve listed here:

Exception 1	You may stop ‘briefly’ to unload items from a vehicle
Exception 2	Motorists with a Blue Badge may park on double yellow lines for a maximum of 3 hours in some cases

But there’s another but. You should always check signage and road markings to establish whether you’re allowed to stop briefly to unload! If you see a pair of lines that go over the edge of a kerb, don’t stop to unload. It’ll get you a PCN if you do.

Take a look at this motorist asking whether you get 2 minutes grace on double yellow lines!

Plus, even Blue Badge holders can’t park or stop if there are loading restrictions in place!

Can you appeal a fine for parking on double lines?

Yes. You have the right to challenge a fine for parking on double yellow lines. Moreover, you’ve got 28 days to file your appeal to have the fine quashed. But it may be wiser to contest the fine earlier.

For instance, when challenging a PCN within two weeks and the authority rejects it you still get to pay the discounted fine.

Plus, you must have enough evidence and grounds to support your appeal to have any chance of success.

Also, when you file an appeal against the PCN, it stops any proceedings from going forward. Until the authority decides if they’re going to accept or reject your appeal.

Worth noting, there’s no appeals process when you get a Fixed Penalty Notice. It’s up to the courts to decide the matter!

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Will a fine for parking on double lines affect your insurance?

No. The fine itself doesn’t affect your insurance and your provider doesn’t need to be told. As such, getting a fine for parking on double yellow lines won’t affect your insurance premium.

Who issues PCNs for parking on double yellow lines?

Local councils and other authorities can issue you with a Penalty Charge Notice if they catch you parked on double yellow lines. Moreover, the notice could be issued in person, or you could get it in the post.

However, if you’re caught by a police officer, they’ll issue you with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). Even police cars get FPNs for parking on double yellow lines!

When you get an FPN instead of a PCN, it gives you the choice to accept the penalty rather than having to face a court hearing!

How much would a PCN for parking on double lines cost you?

Parking on yellow lines is deemed a more serious offence by the authorities. So, the fine for parking on a yellow line could set you back as much as £130 for your troubles.

But when you pay within 14 days of the alleged offence, the fine amount is reduced by 50%. It’s an incentive to pay the PCN early provided you’re sure you committed the offence!

What happens if you ignore a penalty charge notice?

You should pay or contest the PCN as soon as possible, but never ignore it! When you ignore a penalty charge, the fine amount increases by 50% as soon as a Charge Certificate is issued.

Things escalate and you’d have to deal with:

• Paying 50% more than the original fine
• Responding to a Charge Certificate
• Dealing with Enforcement Agents (bailiffs)

How long do you have to pay a PCN?

You’ve got 28 days to pay or challenge a PCN you get for parking on double yellow lines! However, as mentioned, if you know you committed the offence you should pay within two weeks. 

By doing so you pay the discounted fine!

Could you get a CCJ for parking on double lines?

No. You won’t get a CCJ for a fine for parking on double yellow lines. But if you ignore the fine and you don’t pay it, a judgement is registered against you. If this happens, the CCJ is registered on your credit history.

You’ll have trouble getting loans, credit cards and even a mortgage!

Lastly, what’s the fine for parking on double lines?

A fine for parking on double yellow lines could set you back over £100! And if you don’t pay within 28 days of receiving the PCN, the fine amount increases by 50%!

That said, if you pay the fine within 14 days, you get to pay a discounted amount which is 50% less! Something that might be worth considering.

Only challenge a fine for parking on double yellow lines if you’re sure you can win your case. Moreover, if you appeal within two weeks and the authority rejects it, you’ll still pay the discounted fine!

At the end of the day, parking, waiting, or stopping on double yellow lines is prohibited. Unless you fall under the two reasons why you may be able to stop briefly to unload or you hold a Blue Badge.

But even then, there’s no guarantee you won’t be fined. In short, always read the signs and look at the road markings before you stop on a double yellow line!

I hope that having read this post, you know what to expect if you’re ever tempted to stop, park, or wait on a double yellow line. It could be a hefty, unwanted Penalty Charge Notice. Or worst still, a Fixed Penalty Charge!