Rules for parking in Highland
It is against the law to park:
- on pavements (where people walk)
- at dropped kerbs (where the pavement slopes down to the road)
- double-parked (more than 50cm away from the edge of the road)
These rules are part of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
Why these rules matter
Parking on pavements can make it hard for:
- people using wheelchairs
- parents with prams or buggies
- anyone walking safely
It can also damage pavements, which are expensive to fix and can cause people to trip.
Parking at dropped kerbs or double-parking can make it dangerous to cross the road, especially for people who need extra help.
Where can you still park
You can park at dropped kerbs if they are:
- at a driveway
- at a garage
- at a property entrance
But remember: do not park on the pavement, even outside your driveway.
Exceptions
There are exceptions, but only in special cases:
- emergency services or doctors in an emergency
- delivery or collection vehicles (only if they cannot park on the road)
- must leave 1.5 metres of space on the pavement
- can only stop for 20 minutes
- vehicles doing roadworks or removing obstructions
These are allowed only if there is no other safe place to park.
Full details of the exceptions are contained within the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019.
If you break the rules
- You could get issued a Penalty Charge Notice
- Your vehicle might be uplifted (towed away), which costs £150
Report a problem
If a vehicle is blocking the road, call Police Scotland on 101.
More information
For further information visit Road Safety Scotland.