Avoiding parking fines
No one likes to get a parking fine, so here are some easy tips to help you avoid a fine.
Make sure you can pay before you park
The law gives you a 'reasonable amount of time' to set the meter, assuming that you have enough money with you to pay. This means that going to get change is not an excuse.
When parking in areas that require a fee, you must ensure that you have enough money before you park. Cars parked at expired meters or without vouchers are liable to receive a parking fine. The parking meters now accept credit and debit cards, coins and the EasyPark app.
Visit the EasyPark website for further information regarding the app.
You can't 'feed' parking meters
You can't stay longer than the time allowed by 'feeding' the meter or buying another voucher. This is against the law in every Australian state.
The time you can legally occupy a parking bay is shown on the parking sign, and starts as soon as your car stops in the bay.
Display your parking voucher properly
If you're using a voucher, remember to check that it's correctly displayed.
You may receive a fine if your voucher:
- falls from view
- flips over on the dashboard
- is not displayed so that our officers can read it clearly.
Be aware of Loading Zones
There are very strict rules in place about who can park in Loading Zones.
These zones are for short-term use by vehicles when loading or unloading goods. A bus may also use a Loading Zone to set down or pick-up passengers. Loading Zones are not provided for short-term parking. For example, picking up a friend, buying a TV, or dropping off luggage at a hotel before parking your hire car.
Check the parking sign
Some parking signs can be up to 75 metres apart and you may not always be able to see the sign from where your car is parked. If you can't see a parking sign, don't assume that the area has unrestricted parking. As the driver, it is your responsibility to locate the sign along the road, and carefully read and obey it. In some cases, this involves walking closer to the sign to read it. Please be aware that the parking sign may also be behind your vehicle.
You still need to check the parking restrictions for areas you're familiar with. For example, if you live in the area or park there regularly. Parking signs can change without any notice.
Leave extra time for appointments and meetings
There are a large number of workplaces and specialist facilities located within Hobart.
Business meetings can run over time, and medical practitioners regularly run behind schedule. These delays can be reasonably anticipated. Allow extra time when visiting the city for these reasons.
Appointments or meetings running over time are not valid reasons for the withdrawal of a parking fine.
The three multi-storey car parks offer 60 minutes of free parking with no maximum time limit.
If you use the EasyPark app you can add extra time to your parking without going back to your car. This only applies if you have not already paid for the maximum time allowed. Remember you can only stay for as long as the parking sign allows.
Go to the EasyPark website for more information.