How to avoid parking fines

It can really sting your wallet when you get a parking ticket, and perhaps especially so when you're driving a pimp and "just going to...". At Parkit we're quick to patch up badly parked cars, in fact it's a big part of our job, but we can't say we like putting a parking ticket on someone's windscreen. If you want to avoid fines, there are generally two main rules you should remember: 1) you must not park in such a way as to cause danger, and 2) you must not park in such a way as to obstruct or disturb others.

In this blog post, we look at some of the most common parking mistakes that (often) lead to a parking ticket, and which you should therefore be aware of.

Rule #1: Stay within the sign markings

You're in a bit of a hurry. No vacant parking spaces in sight. Or wait, there's a gap at the parking sign. Half the car may end up before the start of the sign, but it should work.

Answer: No. Signs always mark the beginning and end. If you park outside the parking area, you risk blocking an intersection/entrance/exit or getting too close to a crosswalk. Parking attendants rarely condone this.

Our tip: If you can't fit the whole car within the marked area - take an extra lap around the block.

Rule #2: Don't park on the pavement

Surprisingly many motorists park halfway up the sidewalk, for some reason. We think this may be because they think the road is narrow and so want to make it easier for other drivers by removing half the width of the car from the road. The problem, however, is that the rest of the car covers the pavement, forcing pedestrians out into the street. 

Our tip: Many streets in Stockholm are narrow and cramped. If signs and markings allow you to park on one of them, you can park your car with all wheels on the street with a clear conscience.

Rule #3: Don't stand on a loading site

There's a reason why parking is banned at loading bays - they're simply for those who need to unload or load large or bulky items. Unless you have a loading matter in that particular spot, you're not even allowed to stop there. 

Our tip: Don't risk sour faces and hefty fines - keep looking.

Rule #4: Learn the parking signs

Date parking, additional signs, symbol boards... There is a plethora of parking signs in our vast country, and we know from our own experience that many motorists do not have a full understanding of what the different signs stand for. You can read more about parking signs and what they mean in this post. 

Our tip: If you come to a car park with a parking sign you can't understand, Google it instead of taking a chance. It takes a little more time but can save you a parking fine.

Rule #5: Don't stand on a motorcycle space (unless you have a motorcycle)

We know, we know. Motorcycle spaces are often available. But that doesn't mean you can park your car on one of them, no matter how short a time you have to stand. They're reserved for two-wheeled vehicles without sidecars only.

Our advice: Buy a two-wheeled vehicle or make an extra trip to the car park.

Rule #6: Don't park at a bus stop

You know the bus won't be here for 30 minutes. You stop the car, run into the shop and come back 5 minutes later. There's a parking ticket on the windscreen. The reason: there is no parking at any stop. You can stop and drop off/on passengers but you can't park, no matter how infrequently the bus/tram runs.

Our tip: There are not always no-parking signs at bus stops. The parking ban is a bit of an unwritten rule so keep this in mind.

Rule #7: Stay inside the parking space

Ok, let's admit it. We've all missed getting completely in the box at some point. In some parking lots, it can also be really tricky to get all four wheels inside the lines. If you drive a wider car, you know what we're talking about, and inspectors actually take the width of the car and the driver's good effort into account when judging.

Let's put it this way - if you've done your absolute best to get all four wheels inside the lines, you're safe. But if you've parked like the driver in the picture, you can expect to see a pink slip on the window.

Rule #8: Don't stand in a disabled spot without permission

In 2021, 3,710 parking tickets were issued in Stockholm alone for cars parked in spaces designated for people with disabilities. In addition, if you park in a space with an above mark, there is a risk that the car will be towed away. 

Our advice: Stand in places you are entitled to stand.

Rule #9: Don't forget to set the parking disc

We've probably all been there at some point and I think you'll agree with us; getting fined for forgetting to put the parking disc is perhaps the most annoying fine you can get. A lot of car parks have moved to digital solutions but there are an awful lot of car parks that still require the traditional spinning wheel. 

Our tip: Take an extra look at the signs at the car park to make sure you have everything under control.

Rule #10: Keep an eye on the distance to crosswalks and intersections

10 metres, 15 metres, 20 metres... depending on who you ask, you will get different answers to the question "How close to a crossing can I stand?". Let's sort this out once and for all.

Parking at crosswalk

You may not park closer than 10 metres from a crosswalk. However, you may park after the crosswalk. 

Parking at intersection

You may not park closer than 10 metres from the nearest edge of the crossing lane. This applies both before and after the crossing, and for ordinary crossings, T-junctions and cycle crossings.

Conclusion: 10 is the magic number. Memorize it.