Leave your parking (side) lights switched on when you park at night on a road with a 40 mph speed limit, and make sure you are parked in the direction of traffic and in a safe, visible position.

Key rule

  • On roads with speed limits over 30 mph (like 40 mph), vehicles must display parking lights when parked at night.
  • You must not park facing against the direction of traffic unless in a marked parking space.

Safe positioning

  • Park as close to the kerb as you safely can so you are not obstructing the traffic lane.
  • Avoid parking near junctions, bends, crossings or other places where your vehicle might surprise approaching drivers.

Simple takeaway

  • At night + 40 mph road = leave parking lights/sidelights on, park with the traffic flow, and choose a safe, visible spot away from junctions and bends.