Guide to Parking at Night & Keeping Vehicles Lit

The Offence

Parking at Night:  It is an offence if, between sunset and sunrise, you park a vehicle where the left hand side or near side of the vehicle is not as close as possible to the edge of the road. 

Keeping Vehicle Lit:  The general position is that it is an offence not to have your vehicle lit when parked at night if it has an unladen weight of more than 1,525kgs and/or can carry more than 8 passengers.  

Do I need an NIP (Notice of Intended Prosecution) for drivers' hours offences?

No, there is not a requirement for an NIP for Parking at Night Offences or Keeping Vehicles Lit at Night Offences.

Punishment

Parking at Night:  Fine up to £2,500.

Keeping Vehicle Lit:   Fine up to £2,500 if vehicle carries 8 or more people; or
                                     Fine up to £1,000 in other cases.

Defences

Any Defence in this area usually turn on the particular facts and interpretation of the law.  Do not just accept it if it is alleged that you have not parked correctly at night as there may be an exception to the rules which applies to your situation.  Further, there are extremely precise regulations with respect to keeping vehicles lit when parked at night.  Therefore, if you face either allegation we advise you contact us immediately to take specialist legal advice.

Don't wait until it's too late. Call Motor Defence Team now, on 0800 2800 912, for a fixed fee consultation with a specialist lawyer.

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