Parking and road rules Parking and road rules
Without parking and road rules our streets would be chaotic as people clog bus lanes or park wherever they want for as long as they want. Rules and fines are tools used in most cities to help moderate motorist behaviour and reduce traffic congestion.
- Learn more about parking and road rules
- What about privately-owned parking facilities?
- Find out about white triangle road markings
- Find out who makes parking bylaws
- Find out about our parking price policies
Parking and road rules
The rules for road use and parking are mostly made at a national level, with some specific rules made for local conditions. The local rules can be found in the Council Bylaws.
The amount for fines is set at a national level.
Auckland Transport's Parking Officers are legally warranted to provide enforcement services for the rules which apply throughout Auckland.
Where can I find the rules?
Parking and road rules can be found in the following legislation:
- The official New Zealand Road Code contains a comprehensive list of parking rules
- Land Transport Road User Rule 2004
- The Land Transport Act 1998
- Local council bylaws
What are the parking rules?
As a quick reference, these are some of the places you must not park, stop your vehicle, set down or pick up passengers:
- Broken yellow lines;
- Bus or transit lanes during the hours of operation as indicated by the signs;
- Where traffic signs states you must not stop or park;
- On a marked bus stop or taxi stand.
Parking spaces are well signposted. However, if you're unsure whether you can park somewhere or how long you will need the space for, it's advisable you look for another, more suitable place to park.
Did you know? If you park on a broken yellow line, you may not be insured should anything happen to your car.
Types of vehicle infringements
This page lists all vehicle infringements, their meaning, the associated legislation and fine amounts.
Interpreting parking signs
How to read a road or parking sign is clearly explained in the official New Zealand Road Code.
Privately-owned car parking facilities
While we advise that motorists observe all parking restrictions on and off-street, Auckland Transport has no control over the operation and/or towage of vehicles from private car parking spaces or facilities.
Should a motorist receive an infringement notice from a privately-owned enforcement authority, or is towed while parked on private property, they will need to contact the property owner or towage company directly.
White triangle road marking
A white triangle road marking can be used to advise motorists that the kerbside space is less than five metres or isn't suitable for parking a standard sized vehicle.
This road marking is non-statutory and isn't covered in the New Zealand Road Code. It is an advisory marking to indicate that the space isn't appropriate for standard sized vehicles.
A white triangle is sometimes installed between vehicle entrances where a standard vehicle will likely cut off the vehicle entrance. However, the kerbside space may still be suitable for a small vehicle or motorbike.
Bylaw-making and operation
There are two primary bylaw-making entities in Auckland – the Auckland Council and Auckland Transport. Local boards may propose bylaws to the Governing Body of Council that will only apply only in that local board. Other Road Controlling Authorities in the region also have bylaw making powers under the Land Transport Act 1998.
Parking price policies
AT's On-Street Price Adjustment Policy (PDF 179KB) explains how on-street parking rates will be adjusted based on demand. Currently, this is applicable to paid parking in the Central City Parking Zone of the Auckland CBD (PDF 1.32MB).
AT's Off-Street Price Adjustment Policy (PDF 273KB) explains how off-street parking rates will be adjusted based on demand while prioritising short-term parking. It also explains how the mix of different parking options (leases, early birds etc) will be managed. Currently, this policy is only applicable to parking buildings within the Auckland CBD.