You may park on the right‑hand side of the road only in very limited situations , and the exact rule depends on the country’s traffic code, but the most common rule (in countries that drive on the left, like New Zealand and the UK) is: on an ordinary two‑way street you should not park facing oncoming traffic; parking on the “wrong” side is generally only allowed on a one‑way street or in specially marked bays.

Core rule in plain language

  • On a normal two‑way road, you are expected to park on the same side as the traffic moving in your direction, so your car faces the same way as others on that side.
  • Parking on the right‑hand side (so your car faces oncoming traffic) is usually prohibited except:
    • On a one‑way street, where all traffic flows the same way.
* In clearly marked parking bays or official parking areas that allow it.

Why this rule exists

  • Vehicles have red reflectors and rear lights at the back, so at night they are much more visible when parked facing the correct direction; facing the wrong way makes your car harder to see and more confusing for other drivers.
  • Pulling out from the “wrong” side of the road often creates a bigger blind spot and forces you to edge into oncoming traffic, increasing collision risk.

Night‑time and special exceptions

In some countries’ highway codes (for example the UK), the rules are even stricter at night:

  • You must not park facing against the direction of traffic at night on a road with a speed limit over a certain threshold unless you are in a signed or designated parking space.
  • This is again because of visibility: at night, a wrongly‑facing car may not be seen until another driver is very close to it.

If your country’s rules differ

Because traffic laws are local:

  • Always check your national driver’s handbook or highway code for “waiting and parking” rules and any section that mentions parking direction or “wrong side of the road”.
  • Some jurisdictions that drive on the right side of the road (e.g. parts of North America) also require you to park parallel and facing the same direction as traffic on that side, even if people sometimes ignore it in quiet residential streets.

Quick Scoop (SEO style highlights)

  • Main keyword: when may you park on the right hand side of the road – generally, only on a one‑way street or where marked/allowed by signs.
  • “Latest news” and forum discussion: Recent online learner‑driver and local‑driving forums show many people are confused by this rule and often park on the wrong side in practice, but examiners and some police still enforce the “correct direction” requirement, especially at night.
  • Trending topic angle: As more cameras and stricter parking enforcement roll out in residential areas, “wrong‑side” parking is increasingly being discussed as a ticket risk, not just a “harmless habit”.

Meta description (for SEO):
“Learn when you may park on the right hand side of the road, how one‑way streets and night‑time rules change what’s legal, and why parking facing traffic is often prohibited.”