Beware the yellow line that threatens drivers with fines!

Don’t be caught out parking near a kerb with a continual yellow line next time you’re out on the road, or it will cost you. The continuous yellow line is synonymous with the no stopping sign, meaning cars are prohibited from stopping or parking in that area. The yellow lines may be used in conjunction with a no stopping sign or used instead of one, so don’t be fooled if there is no sign!

The not-so-well-known rule has been around since the late 1990s and was implemented by governing authorities to reduce the number of no stopping signs cluttering the streets.

Queensland government Department of Transport and Main Roads listed this offence as one of the most common parking fines in 2014, further highlighting the lack of awareness among drivers.

​To make things a little more complicated, there are two types of yellow lines to look out for:
A broken yellow line signifies a CLEARWAY; This means that cars are not permitted to stop or park in that area between the hours shown on the sign (except in a medical emergency); however, buses, taxis, and hire cars (but not ride-share) are permitted to stop, to pick-up or drop-off passengers.

An Unbroken or continuous yellow line means NO STOPPING. 

Drivers caught disobeying these rules can be up for some hefty penalties, including loss of demerit points. Here’s a breakdown of what these penalties look like across Australia:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Prepare to lose one penalty unit (equivalent to $50) if you decide to stop on the forbidden yellow line.

VICTORIA
If you’re caught parked on a single continuous yellow line, you’ll receive an on-the-spot fine of $109.

TASMANIA
Parking on a continuous yellow line will see Tasmanian drivers issued with a $130 fine.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Authorities will decide whether you lose one demerit point or cough up a $157 fine for illegally stopping on a continual yellow line.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australians are looking at a fine of $198 if they are caught stopped in that area.

NEW SOUTH WALES
Expect to receive a hefty $272 fine from local authorities if caught parked on a continual yellow line.

QUEENSLAND
Drivers will be issued a penalty of two demerit points which is equivalent to a $275 fine.

ACT
Issuing the harshest penalty of all the states, ACT drivers will be penalised with a $280 fine for parking in areas with a single yellow line.
The moral of the story here is:- Don’t park on the yellow line, and you’ll be fine – not fined!