Single yellow line

What it means

Waiting is restricted during the days and times shown on a nearby yellow plate or zone entry sign.

A single yellow line is only part-time. The plate nearby, or the sign at the entry to a controlled parking zone, tells you when the restriction applies.

If the plate does not show any days, the restriction applies every day, including Sundays and bank holidays.

Tip: One line, check the time: a single yellow line always has times somewhere nearby.

Where you'll see it

On busy streets and in town centres, often next to parking bays or in controlled parking zones.

Rules to know

• You must not wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates, or on zone entry signs in a controlled parking zone.

  The Highway Code, Rule 238

• If no days are shown on the signs, the restrictions are in force every day including Sundays and bank holidays.

  The Highway Code, Road markings

• Where the yellow plate does not show the days of the week, the restrictions apply at the same times every day, including Sunday.

  Know Your Traffic Signs, p. 44

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Parking on a single yellow line because there is no plate right next to your car.

  Instead: The plate may be further along the street, or on the zone entry sign. Check before you leave the car.

• Mistake: Assuming the restriction does not apply on Sundays.

  Instead: If no days are shown, it applies every day, including Sundays and bank holidays.

Test yourself

Recalling the answer helps it stick. Pick an answer to see how you did.

Question 1 of 2

What does this marking mean?

• ADo not enter unless your exit is clear
• BNo waiting during the times shown on signs
• CNo waiting at any time
• DDo not stop outside the school entrance

Ready for more? Take the Road Markings Quiz