Making the school run. A quick trip to the shops. Taking the kids to weekend sport. Even just loading a few things into the boot. There are plenty of times when you’re pushed for time and parking spaces are in such high demand you could be tempted to bend the rules.

However, the rules are there for a reason, so here’s a few tips to help you resist the temptation and avoid the dreaded parking ticket. (Financial incentives in brackets).

1: Yellow kerb lines painted near the edge of the road show that there are restrictions on even stopping. (Fines from $320)

An unbroken yellow line is a clearway, which means you must not stop here except in an emergency. It applies even without a ‘No Stopping’ sign. (Fine $330)

A broken yellow line is also a clearway, but within certain times. You must not stop here between the hours shown on a sign, except in an emergency. Parking is only allowed outside of clearway hours – and if there is no sign, you must not park at any time. (Fine $330)

2: Same goes for bus stops. No matter how quick it is, stopping in a bus zone or bus stop, or 20 metres before or 10 metres after the bus stop, is likely to result in a ticket. (Fine $302)

3: Nature strips and driveways are also out of bounds. Don’t park on a nature strip or on or across a driveway, even your own. Park safely on the street or wholly within the driveway, so that pedestrians can use the footpath safely. (Fine $330)

4: Don’t stop within 20 metres of an intersection with traffic lights or 10 metres without them, unless a sign says otherwise. (Fine $423 and 2 demerit points).

The same rules apply to pedestrian crossings and children’s crossings. (Fine $423 and 2 demerit points)

5: Parallel park in the direction of travel. Face the same direction as moving traffic and as close to the kerb as possible. (Fine $330, more in a school zone)

The rules and restrictions exist to promote road safety and protect pedestrians, keep traffic flowing and ensure fair access for all.

So next time you’re tempted, remember to check for line markings, clearways and signs – they’ll tell you where you can and can’t park or stop and help you avoid a fine.

For more top tips on parking stop by our website.