World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
Standing in a parking space to save it can bring a fine in NSW
Transport for NSW says people can be fined for standing in a parking space to save it for someone else.
The practice is often seen in busy shopping-centre and beach car parks, where someone waits in an empty bay for another driver.
NSW road rules ban pedestrians from creating a traffic hazard or unreasonably obstructing drivers or other pedestrians.
Both offences carry a $94 fine in NSW.
Penalties differ across Australia, ranging from $53.25 in Tasmania to $218 in the ACT, according to the stated figures.
The warning matters because the tactic can obstruct other drivers and create a safety risk.
Transport for NSW says people who block a space in this way may face a fine.
Transport for NSW has warned that pedestrians who stand in parking spaces to reserve them for someone else could be fined.
The $94 fine can apply if they obstruct drivers or pedestrians, or create a traffic hazard.
The practice is often seen in busy shopping-centre and beach car parks.
Rule 236 of the NSW Road Rules prohibits pedestrians from causing a traffic hazard by moving into a driver’s path or unreasonably obstructing a driver or another pedestrian.
Penalties for similar offences vary across Australian states and territories.
- Who
- Transport for NSW issued the warning. Pedestrians who occupy parking spaces to reserve them may be fined.
- What
- Standing in a parking space to save it for someone else can lead to a fine if it obstructs others or creates a traffic hazard.
- When
- The warning was reported on 29 October 2026.
- Where
- New South Wales, Australia.
- Why
- The conduct can obstruct drivers or pedestrians, or create a traffic hazard.
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This story does not have a timeline yet.
- NSW fine
- $94
- Road rule
- Rule 236
- Victoria maximum penalty
- $209
- Western Australia penalty
- $100
- Queensland penalty
- $69
What people are saying
Pedestrians must not cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver,
Not only is it a dodgy move, but it could also see you getting a fine for doing so.
First come, first served. Parking spot is not a plane ticket with booked seats in advance,