Australian drivers are being reminded in 2025 about one of the costliest day-to-day mistakes on the road: illegal parking near intersections, crossings, and restricted safety zones. Authorities confirmed that fines can reach up to $870, depending on the jurisdiction, when motorists fail to follow clear parking rules that are designed to keep pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers safe.
The Parking Rule Most Drivers Forget
The most common mistake is parking too close to intersections, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, or driveways. Under national and state traffic regulations, vehicles must not obstruct pedestrian access or the line of sight for other road users.
Key restricted parking areas include:
- Less than 10 metres from an intersection or traffic light
- Within 20 metres of pedestrian crossings
- Blocking footpaths or driveways
- In front of bus stops or loading zones
- Clearways and emergency vehicle bays
While some fines for minor parking offences are lighter (often $100–$300), more serious breaches in safety-critical zones can attract fines of up to $870, making it one of the most expensive mistakes ordinary drivers commit.
Why the Penalties Are So High
Authorities explain that these rules are not about revenue raising but about preventing accidents. Cars parked too close to intersections block visibility for drivers turning in, which increases the risk of crashes. Parking near pedestrian crossings prevents both drivers and pedestrians from seeing each other clearly until it is too late.
For buses and emergency services, illegally parked vehicles delay response times and disrupt transport efficiency. Officials highlight that stricter fines are based on the principle that a single parked car in the wrong place can compromise the safety of dozens of road users.
Enforcement Across Australia
Parking enforcement is handled by local councils, police, and state transport divisions. Fines can be issued when:
- Parking inspectors patrol city streets with handheld devices.
- Council vehicles use automated plate-reading systems to detect offenders.
- Police conduct roadside safety checks, particularly in school zones and city centres.
With modern enforcement tools, local authorities report a significant rise in the detection of illegal parking in recent years.
The $870 Offence – Where It Usually Happens
The steepest penalties are often applied for breaches in critical safety zones, including:
- School crossings, where children’s safety is compromised.
- Clearways during peak traffic hours.
- Designated emergency lanes on highways.
- Disabled parking spots, when used without valid permits.
Jurisdictions set the highest fines for these areas because violations directly endanger vulnerable groups, such as students and pedestrians with mobility challenges.
Ignorance Is Not an Excuse
Transport agencies have stressed that drivers can no longer rely on ignorance of signs or line markings as an excuse. Painted curbs (such as yellow lines), signage for bus stops, and crossing zones are well-marked under law.
If a fine is contested in court, magistrates have little tolerance for “I didn’t see the sign” arguments, and drivers risk not just paying the fine but also incurring extra court costs.
Drivers Warned Against Repeat Offences
Drivers caught repeatedly committing the same parking mistakes may face escalating consequences, including:
- Increased fines or court penalties
- Towing and impoundment of the vehicle
- Licence suspension for repeat infringements tied to demerit points
Insurance premiums may also rise if a driver accumulates frequent fines, as insurers view habitual non-compliance as a risk behaviour.
Avoiding the $870 Fine
Authorities suggest several simple steps to help avoid these costly mistakes:
- Always check street signs and painted line markings before leaving your vehicle.
- Use digital reminder apps to quickly estimate safe distances from intersections.
- Avoid relying on “just a quick stop”—in heavy enforcement areas, even a few minutes can get you fined.
- Pay special attention in school zones and CBD areas where enforcement is strictest.
Conclusion
Illegal parking may seem harmless to some drivers, but in Australia’s 2025 road laws it is one of the most common yet severely punished traffic violations. With fines reaching $870, the cost of a moment’s convenience can be financially devastating.
Authorities emphasise that parking rules exist not just for order but for road safety, protecting pedestrians, children, bus operators, and emergency responders. The message is clear: be mindful where you park, because one wrong stop could cost more than a week’s wages.