Suppose you are in a hurry and see an empty space exactly on a speed bump. And you park the car on it. It looks very easy, but afterward it can cause severe problems. Actually, speed bumps are designed to slow down traffic, not to block the road.
So, what if you park there? Let’s take a look at parking rules and regulations as a responsible citizen.
Are You Allowed To Park on a Speed Bump?
Generally, it is not illegal to park a car on speed bumps. But there are some special scenarios where you can get punished. Like, when a signboard prohibits it, or if some special rules are enforced by the government.
Mainly, the speed bumps are placed to slow down the vehicles. You can usually see them in parking lots, busy streets, and areas where a lot of pedestrians are found because they ensure the safety of road walkers. That’s why it is better to park in the right area so no one gets in trouble.
Practical Reasons You Should Not Park on a Speed Bump
There are many solid reasons why you should not park your car on a speed bump. Here we will elaborate to you;
- First of all, speed bumps are not placed for parking vehicles. They are installed to secure the walkers from accidents.
- Secondly, if you park on a speed bump, then it will be covered partially. As a result, other drivers may not see it on time, and the car gets a speedy strike with the bump, which will definitely cause damage.
- Moreover, in any emergency situation, your car can create a road blockage. In this case, your small mistake may lead to a bigger loss for someone else.
- If a car is parked over a speed bump, then road walkers will also feel unsafe.
- In this way, speed breakers also get damaged. Because they are designed to bear vehicle strikes. But they can’t hold the heavy load of cars for a long time.
Consequences of Parking on a Speed Bump
Parking on a speed bump can cause many problems for your car and others. Let’s look at what issues you can face after wrong parking.
Penalties for Illegal Parking
As we have discussed, it is not a crime to park a car on a road bump. But in some cases, it can lead to legal issues. If the sign board says “No Parking Over Speed Bump” and you park over there. Then you have to pay heavy fines because it has now become illegal.
Potential Damage to Vehicles
Speed bumps can damage others as well as your own vehicle. If you park your car in an uneven position for a long time, then it will damage the suspension system. Even some support cars with lower bodies get scratches and dents. Moreover, heavy trailers are hard to move once they are parked over bumps.
Disturb Traffic Flow
Such a parking can result in a disturbance of traffic flow because it blocks traffic and causes delays. For instance, when a car is parked on a speed bump, other drivers have to change their path. This thing breaks the flow of traffic, specifically on busy streets.
Rules and Regulations For Speed Bumps In Different Countries
Different countries have their own rules for speed bumps. Here, we will look at how the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany handle it.
Speed Bump Regulations in the United States
In the United States, parking on speed bumps is generally discouraged. To provide a secure environment for pedestrians. But in some areas, there are stricter rules to ensure road safety. You can make a guess from this real-life example: In Washington, a man was fined 138$ just for holding a “Cop Ahead” warning board on the road. So be aware!
Speed Bump Guidelines in the United Kingdom
As in the United Kingdom, parking over a speed bump is recommended only in emergency situations. But if we specifically observe Scotland, then under the 2019 Act, local councils can charge heavy fines for the improper parking of vehicles. For instance, parking in front of an already parked car or blocking the narrow streets.
Speed Bump Rules in Germany
The German Road Traffic Regulation (StVO) also has enforced strict rules for road safety, such as no one can block speed bumps by parking cars. If anyone breaks these rules and regulations, then he has to pay penalties.
Speed Bump Regulations in Australia
In contrast to Germany, Australia has provided some flexibility in road safety rules. But it doesn’t mean that they allow you to park over speed bumps. Actually, the Australian government allowed emergency vehicles to stop over speed bumps just for temporary parking needs.
Jackwin’s Advice For Parking a Vehicle
Parking your car might look simple. But there are important rules you need to remember before doing so. Let’s take a look at these rules carefully.
Yellow Lines: In case of yellow lines, avoid parking, especially if you are in the UK. Otherwise, you will be punished.
School Zones: Never park your car near the school during the entry or exit of students. Because it can cause road blockage.
Sign Boards: If there is a “No Parking” or “Don’t Stop Here” board on the road, then always follow this signage.
Parking Area: Near rushy places, there is always a parking area, search for it. And park your car over there.
Parallel Parking: If there is a parallel parking area, always check the line and place your car in the same direction as other cars.
Parking Meter: Make sure to check if a parking meter is available. If it is available, then always pay the charges for your parking and receive your ticket.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that parking on speed bumps looks very easy. But its results are fines, accidents, and car damage. So, always try to choose a safe parking area. Park on speed bumps only in emergency conditions. With this, you can save others as well as yourself.
