What are the different types of parking?

What are the different types of parking?

Knowing how to park a vehicle is part of the basic skills to master before passing the practical test of driving license. Beyond the various makeovers, it is also essential to know that there are different types of parking. Each of them responds not only to basic terms, but also to specific rules. From one-sided parking to paid parking and residential parking, all these notions must be known and mastered by the driver's license applicants, but also by motorists who already hold the practical exam.

What are the basic rules for parking a vehicle?

First of all, unlike the stop, which has a momentary character, parking takes, in most cases, more time and requires cutting the engine of the vehicle. Also, the driver must ensure that his vehicle does not hinder the movement of other users, but also that it does not represent an obstacle. Generally, the marking on the ground as well as the prohibition signs of parking make it possible to avoid troublesome or dangerous parking, provided that they are respected by the drivers.

Unilateral parking

One- sided parking is a specific form of parking. It allows alternating the side of the sidewalk where it is possible to park, according to the different periods of a month. Drivers are informed of the parking rules to be respected via a sign posted at the entrance to the area concerned.

Parking prohibited

Prohibited parking is a prohibition issued to road users at one or more locations on the roadway that could have accommodated a parked vehicle. The authorities in charge of the traffic can decide to apply to these places the rules of the forbidden parking if it had to be abusive , inconvenient (or very inconvenient) or dangerous . Unauthorized parking is usually signalled to road users through marking on the ground, through yellow lines on sidewalks in built-up areas, or through parking signs.

Free parking

Some public parking spaces are "free". This means that motorists can park there without having to pay a certain amount of money. Most free parking areas are marked with white markings that do not have a “paying " registration. In addition, parking is limited to a maximum of 7 consecutive days.

Other free parking areas exist, and they may be subject to specific rules, such as blue zones, which are time-limited. This limitation, controlled by parking disks, differs by municipality. In addition, since May 18, 2015, all users with a mobility inclusion card can park for free on all public parking spaces.

Paid parking

Among the different types of parking, paid parking is probably the most widespread in France. It allows drivers of motorized land vehicles to have a parking space against the purchase of a ticket of time stamp that acts bill. Unlike paid parking, where it is necessary to take a ticket to access the parking spaces, you must first park your vehicle before paying the amount corresponding to the desired duration, as part of a paid parking. If parking is paying in certain areas, it is particularly to encourage users not to stay too long in the same place, and thus to create a certain rotation between parked vehicles.

Double parking

The double parking is to park a vehicle in a parallel parking space already occupied. According to article 417-10 of the Highway Code, this type of parking is considered to be inconvenient. Yet, more and more non-compliant drivers are using it, resulting in many road accidents.

Residential parking

The residential park is a type of parking set up in major urban areas to facilitate resident access to municipal parking spaces that are close to home. Thus, each city has been divided into several paid parking zones where a preferential rate is set up for residents who have sent a residential parking card request to the town hall.

To avoid being sanctioned, public road users must follow the terms and conditions associated with the different types of parking. Since its entry into force on January 1, 2018, the post-parking fee (FPS) has replaced tickets issued to owners of vehicles that do not comply with the parking rules. The amount of it varies from city to city, but generally it is much more expensive than a parking ticket for a day to dissuade those who would like to try their luck.