You're leaving your vehicle parked on a road and unattended. When may you leave the engine running?

Related Information

Waiting and parking (238 to 252)

2. Parking (239 to 247)

239

Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the roadside:

- do not park facing against the traffic flow

- stop as close as you can to the side

- do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge: remember, the occupant may need more room to get in or out

- you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights

- you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle

- you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for cyclists or other traffic by looking all around and using your mirrors

- where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement

- it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb

- put all valuables out of sight and make sure your vehicle is secure

- lock your vehicle.

Before using a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST make sure it is safe to do so. Then, you should move the vehicle into the parking space in the safest way, and by the shortest route possible.

When you use a hand-held device to help you to park, you MUST remain in control of the vehicle at all times. Do not use the hand-held device for anything else while you are using it to help you park, and do not put anyone in danger. Use the hand-held device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When using an electric vehicle charge point, you should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians from trailing cables. Display a warning sign if you can. After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.

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[The Highway Code]