Understanding parking signs

Parking sign for restricted time parking.

This example of a sign with time restrictions doesn't specify days it applies. This means the restriction of 1 hour parking applies every day, including public holidays.

Between 5 pm and 9 am, there is no time restriction in this spot.

Parking sign for a permit zone from 5 pm to 9 am all days and 1P from 9 am to 5 pm.

This area is subject to different restrictions at different times. From 9 am to 5 pm every day, including public holidays, there is a restriction of 1 hour parking. The 1-hour time limit doesn't apply to permit holders for area 12,

Between 5 pm and 9 am, only permit holders can park in this area.

Parking sign for restricted time parking Monday to Saturday between 8 am and 6 pm.

This example is a parking sign with time restrictions, in a permit area. These restrictions apply to drivers without a permit for the nominated area.

Drivers without a permit can park here for 2 hours during the times specified. Outside those times, any driver can park until the restrictions start again. A permit holder can park here all the time with no time restrictions.

The time restrictions don't apply on public holidays, no matter what day of the week it is.

Parking sign for a permit zone from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday

This sign indicates parking is restricted to permit holders of area 13 only. This restriction applies from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday.

Between 6 pm and 8 am the following day, all day Sunday and on public holidays, there are no restrictions on who can park here or for how long.

Permit zone restrictions

Parking sign for a permit zone at all times

This area is restricted to area 9 permit holders only, all day, every day. Only a vehicle with a residential permit for the area indicated on a sign like this can park.

No stopping and no parking signs

A no stopping, also known as a no standing, parking sign.

This is a "No stopping" sign. These signs mean you can't stop or park your car in, or partly in this area, for any reason. Dropping off or picking up passengers or goods in a 'No stopping' area is not allowed.

A no stopping, also known as a no standing, parking sign at specific times.

This sign indicates a 'no stopping' zone within specific times to the left. To the right of the sign is 'no stopping' all the time.

Between 8 and 9.15 am and 3 and 4.15 pm on school days, the area to the left is 'no stopping' for any reason. This includes dropping off or picking up passengers. Outside those times and days, parking to the left of this sign is unrestricted.

A no parking on school days street sign.

This sign indicates a 'no parking' zone at specific times to the left. To the right of the sign is 'no stopping' all the time. You can stop for 2 minutes in a 'no parking' zone:

  • if you are picking up or dropping off passengers or goods
  • and you remain within 3 metres of your vehicle.

If you stop in, or partly in, an area showing a no parking sign and you are not picking up or dropping off passengers or goods, you are considered to be parked. You may be fined even if you stay with your vehicle.

Outside of the times and days indicated on the sign, there are no restrictions on parking.

Clearways and loading zones

Sign showing Clearway 7 to 9 am Monday to Friday with an image of a tow truck towing a car.

This is an example of a sign indicating a clearway. Signs like this are designed to alert motorists that a clearway applies on the road they are travelling on. This clearway applies Monday to Friday, 7 to 9 am. It does not apply on public holidays.

The graphic of a tow truck indicates that a vehicle can be towed if it parks in a clearway.

Signs showing Clearway and Tow away zone 4.30 to 6.30 pm Monday to Friday and a second sign indicating 1 hour parking between 9 am and 4.30 pm

This sign alerts people that a clearway restriction applies. The clearway applies in both directions along this road. Between 4.30 and 6.30 pm, Monday to Friday, a vehicle parked in this area can be towed.

If your vehicle is towed from a clearway there will be costs associated with having your vehicle released from impound.  

In this example there are also parking restrictions outside the clearway times.

The clearway and parking restrictions in this example do not apply on public holidays.

A loading zone parking sign.

You can stop in a loading zone for the time period noted on the sign if you are in the process of dropping off, or picking up goods and driving a:

  • goods-carrying vehicle
  • courier or signed delivery vehicle
  • truck which is dropping off or picking up goods.

Only the following vehicles may use a Loading Zone when dropping off or picking up passengers:

  • A vehicle which has seating positions for 10 to 12 adults (including the driver) that is being used to carry passengers for hire or reward
  • A public bus
  • A licensed commercial passenger vehicle such as a taxi, rideshare or other special purpose vehicle.

If a Loading Zone sign does not have a time restriction, by default the restriction is 30 minutes.

Sedans, wagons/station wagons or SUV's may be fined for stopping in a loading zone, even if loading or unloading.

Time-limited restrictions

You cannot park for longer than the time shown on a parking sign. If you want to move your car, you must move it into a section of road controlled by a different parking sign.

Angle parking

Follow the signs if they direct you to park on an angle within marked spaces. If the sign indicates angle parking, but no angle is specified, and the space is not marked, park at a 45-degree angle.

You can reverse park into a 90-degree angle park. For all other angles, you must park with the rear of your vehicle nearest the centre of the road.

Parking in the centre of the road

You must drive in forward and drive out forward when parking in centre of the road spaces. You cannot reverse unless a sign says you can.

Parallel parking

If there are marked spaces you must park:

  • completely within the bay
  • in line and close to the kerb
  • facing the direction of travel.

If there are no marked spaces, park:

  • in line and close to the kerb
  • facing the direction of travel. 
  • with at least 1 metre in front and behind.

Tips on paid parking areas

Did you know your time starts when you stop?

Under the Victorian Road Rules your time in a parking space starts as soon as your vehicle stops in the parking bay.

Time spent in your car before getting out and paying for parking also counts toward the maximum time you can spend in a parking space. The time allowed is shown on the parking sign.

Coin payments at paid parking machines are no longer accepted in the City of Port Phillip. All machines accept payments by credit or debit card. You can also pay for parking using the PayStay App.

Can you park there?

No

  • Double parking. This means no parking or stopping on the road parallel to another parked car.
  • In an intersection (except on the continuous side of a continuing road of a T-intersection).
  • Fully or partially on or across a driveway except for 2 minutes to pick up or drop off passengers. 
  • If there is not 3 metres of clear road between your car and a continuous dividing line or the other side of the road for other traffic.
  • On a footpath, nature strip or reserve (motorcycle or bicycles are allowed but must leave clear pedestrian access approx 1.6m and not against the property line).
  • On a footpath, bicycle path or footpath ramp, unless a sign allows it.
  • In a bus, tram or truck lane.
  • Within 1 metre of a fire hydrant, fire hydrant indicator or fire plug indicator.
  • Next to a continuous yellow line on the edge of the road (curb).

Yes

  • Opposite a driveway if you leave 3 metres of clear road between your vehicle and the driveway.
  • Anywhere in a street where parking is permitted, including in front of other homes or businesses.