Highway Code updated on Scotland's new parking laws

Published: 10/04/2025

The Highway Code has been updated this week to cover changes to road traffic laws in Scotland concerning parking.

While they apply to all vehicles (including classics), drivers who visit Scotland only occasionally may remain unaware of the change, as a widespread public information in the country finished last year.

Drivers caught parking illegally on pavements, at dropped/lowered kerbs, or double parking face a £100 fine.

The Highway Code changes are made to its 'Waiting and Parking' sections (rules 238 to 252) see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/waiting-and-parking-238-to-252

It  updates rules 243 to clarify that drivers must not park anywhere the kerb has been lowered in Scotland, and rule 244 to clarify that drivers must not park partially or wholly on the pavement in Scotland. 

Enforcement of the new law came in last year. The law is at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2019/17/part/6

The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists and applies to England, Scotland and Wales.

The aim of The Highway Code is to promote safety on the road, whilst also supporting a healthy, sustainable and efficient transport system.

In addition to the traditional paper book, the code can be read online for free and includes links to the relevant piece of legislation appertaining to each rule https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code