You are away from home and have to park your vehicle overnight. Where should you leave it?

Related Information

Parking or leaving your car at night

When parking at night, make sure your car is as visible as possible. If you are parked in an area with streetlights, parking below a streetlight (as long as it is permitted) keeps your car visible and deters criminals because they are also visible. Turn on your hazard warning lights if you believe visibility is poor.

If you leave your car overnight, make sure the place you park in does not become a clearway before you return, otherwise you may be penalised and towed.

Do not park on the sidewalk. Parking on the sidewalk obstructs pedestrians and may force them to walk on the road, which is especially dangerous for persons pushing prams and pushchairs, as well as disabled people using walkers and mobility scooters.


If you are momentarily parking, leaving your headlights on high beam may dazzle other drivers. You must switch your headlights to main beam or only your side/park lights.

Because there are no reflectors on the front of your car, you should never park facing traffic.

When getting out or back into your car, keep in mind that you are less visible to other vehicles. Also, be cautious of bicycles passing your car because they will be less visible - remember that when you open your door, you have a responsibility not to hit other road users.

If you leave the car, be sure you haven't left any interior lights on because they can drain the battery. Set the alarm if you leave your car. Lock the doors if you are remaining in the car. There is normally a button that locks all doors.

If you have to leave your car, put valuables in the boot, cover them in another way to make them as unnoticeable as possible, or take them with you. Remember that covering stuff with a blanket still lets others know you have goods in your car.

If possible, park in a carpark with lighting and security. Take note of the building's closing time, otherwise you may find yourself paying a high fee for a late-night callout for security to come and open the gates.