Australian drivers are being urged to pay closer attention to parking rules after a recent tightening of enforcement has put motorists at risk of a $765 fine for a mistake many make without realising. The penalty, which varies slightly between states, applies to drivers who park too close to intersections, pedestrian crossings or stop signs — a seemingly small error that now comes with a hefty price tag.
Authorities say the move is aimed at tackling visibility risks for both motorists and pedestrians. While many people treat these areas as safe “quick-stop” zones, they are in fact among the most dangerous places to leave a vehicle, particularly for children crossing the road or cars turning across traffic.
Why the Rule Matters
The updated parking enforcement highlights safety over convenience. Vehicles parked too close to corners can block sightlines, forcing other drivers to inch forward into intersections blindly. Studies from Australian road regulators have shown that illegal parking near school zones and pedestrian crossings is directly linked to near-miss incidents and collisions.
For pedestrians, especially the elderly and those with prams or mobility challenges, visibility is critical when crossing. Blocking these clear sightlines with parked vehicles increases risks tenfold, according to road safety advocates.
Where Fines Apply Most
| State/Territory | Fine Range (AUD) | Notes on Fine Amounts & Penalties | Minimum Distance Parking Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Can exceed $760 | Higher penalties especially when safety is endangered | No parking within 10m of intersection without lights, 20m of pedestrian crossing, 3m of double lines unless legal bay |
| Queensland | Typically $330 to $400 | Penalties may climb depending on circumstances | Same as NSW rules |
| Victoria | Typically $330 to $400 | Penalties may increase in certain conditions | Same as NSW rules |
| Other states | Varies | Varied enforcement and fine amounts | Generally similar rules apply |
Crackdown in School Zones
Much of the stricter enforcement is currently concentrated around schools, where parents frequently stop briefly to pick up or drop off children. Police and council rangers say “just two minutes” of illegal parking is enough to create dangerous blind spots.
School principals and road safety groups have long pushed for stronger penalties in these areas, arguing that driver convenience should never outweigh child safety. National Road Safety Week campaigns have also spotlighted the issue, calling on parents to model good habits.
What Drivers Can Do
Avoiding the fine is straightforward if motorists take a few extra seconds to check their surroundings before pulling over. Look out for road markings, signs and painted lines that indicate restricted areas. If unsure, the safest option is to park further back rather than risking edging too close.
Authorities are also urging drivers to use designated pick-up zones where provided, as these are monitored and designed to reduce congestion and risk.
A Warning for Complacent Motorists
While many drivers view the crackdown as strict, road authorities insist it reflects a bigger cultural challenge: complacency in day-to-day driving. Seemingly harmless parking mistakes are often dismissed as minor, but the updated penalties are meant to reinforce that small errors can have fatal consequences.
For Australian motorists, the message is clear — that “everyday parking habit” could now cost a week’s wages and, more importantly, put lives at risk.
