Is it illegal to park across two spaces in a car park?

PARKING your motor can be annoying at the best of times, but especially when you can't find a space and some inconsiderate so-and-so is taking up two.

Here's everything we know about the laws and fines relating to occupying more than one parking bay.

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Can I be fined for parking across two spaces?

There is a possibility that you can be fined for taking up two parking spaces.

According to , your car must be parked within the bay markings or you risk receiving a parking ticket.

Even if the car you're looking to park next to has come across the line, it's best to find another spot to stop you from running into any trouble.

If your car is too large for the spot you're attempting to park in, it's also safer to find another spot.

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Some car parks will have large parking spots to accommodate those larger vehicles, meaning they don't run the risk of parking across two spots.

In 2018, signs from a parking company called Horizon Parking showed up at a Tesco branch in Stockton-on-Tees in North Yorkshire.

The sign stated a £70 charge if vehicles are not parked within marked bays.

Can I park across two spaces if I have paid for two tickets?

It depends on the car park you are parked in as some are more lenient than others.

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In 2018, a driver purchased two tickets to avoid their car being hit and seemed to get away with it.

However, taking up two spaces is likely to annoy other drivers, especially if they're having difficulty finding a spot.

How much is a parking fine?

In 2022, the laws surrounding parking charges in private car parks changed.

This new rule means private parking operators are only be able to charge between £50 and £70.

The amount will depend on the severity of the offence.

There is also a 50% reduction if a parking ticket is paid within 14 days.

If a parking ticket is not paid within 28 days, an additional 50% charge will be added.

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A fixed penalty notice (FPN) or penalty charge notice (PCN) can be issued for parking offences occurring outside of private car parks.

FPNs will be £50, £100, £200 or £300 depending on the severity of the offence.

There are two levels of fines for PNCs, either £80 or £130 — most are issued at the higher rate.

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Gov.uk explains:

• How you pay a parking ticket, FPN or PCN depends on what type it is and who issued it.
• You usually have 28 days to pay; in some cases, the fine is reduced if you pay within 14 days.
• If you lose your ticket, contact the ticket issuer to find out how to pay.
• If you do not pay a PCN within 28 days, you’ll get a ‘charge certificate’ and you’ll have 14 days to pay the original fine plus 50% more
• You can get an FPN for parking from the police, local council or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)
• If you do not pay an FPN within 28 days, you’ll have to pay 50% more
• You’ll only get penalty points on your licence for certain types of parking FPN, for example for leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position