Stopping rules: where you may not stop

Where may you not stop your vehicle?

You may not stop a vehicle on the roadway of a public road:

• alongside or opposite an excavation (a hole dug in the road) or an obstruction, if stopping there would obstruct or endanger other traffic
• in any tunnel or subway, on any bridge, or within 6 metres of a tunnel, subway or bridge
• on any part of the roadway where its normal width has been constricted (made narrower), or within 6 metres of where that part begins or ends
• against what a road traffic sign says
• on the right-hand side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic
• alongside or opposite another vehicle where the roadway is less than 9 metres wide
• within the railway reserve at a level crossing
• within 9 metres of a marked pedestrian crossing, on the side from which you approach it
• in any other place where stopping would be a danger or an obstruction to other traffic

When are you allowed to stop in these places?

The stopping rules give three exceptions. You may stop there:

• to avoid an accident
• when a traffic officer directs you to
• for a cause beyond your control

Numbers to remember

• 6 metres from a tunnel, subway or bridge: no stopping
• 6 metres from the beginning or end of a narrowed part of the roadway: no stopping
• 9 metres: no stopping alongside or opposite another vehicle on a narrower roadway
• 9 metres before a marked pedestrian crossing: no stopping

Mistakes learners make

• Mixing up 6 metres and 9 metres. 6 metres goes with tunnels, subways, bridges and narrowed roadway. 9 metres goes with pedestrian crossings and roadway width.
• Stopping on the right-hand side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic. That is not allowed.
• Forgetting the exceptions. You may stop to avoid an accident, on a traffic officer's direction, or for a cause beyond your control.

Test yourself

1. Question 1

   Stopping a vehicle on the roadway of a public road is prohibited in certain places. Which ONE of the following is NOT one of those places?

   • A In a demarcated parking bay
   • B Within any tunnel or subway
   • C On any bridge
   Show answer

   Answer: A: In a demarcated parking bay

   A marked parking bay is not on the list; you may not stop inside a tunnel or subway or on a bridge.

2. Question 2

   Within what distance of any tunnel, subway or bridge is stopping a vehicle on the roadway of a public road prohibited?

   • A 5 metres
   • B 6 metres
   • C 9 metres
   Show answer

   Answer: B: 6 metres

   You may not stop on the road within 6 metres of any tunnel, subway or bridge.

3. Question 3

   In which ONE of the following cases is stopping a vehicle on the roadway of a public road NOT prohibited?

   • A Where the normal width of the roadway has been constricted
   • B In contravention of a road traffic sign
   • C Where a road traffic sign permits stopping
   Show answer

   Answer: C: Where a road traffic sign permits stopping

   You may not stop where the road is made narrower or against a road sign, but may where a sign allows it.

4. Question 4

   You wish to stop your vehicle on the right-hand side of the roadway of a public road, facing oncoming traffic. What does the law provide?

   • A Stopping in that position is permitted during daylight hours only
   • B Stopping in that position is permitted for loading purposes
   • C Stopping in that position is prohibited
   Show answer

   Answer: C: Stopping in that position is prohibited

   You may not stop on the right-hand side of the road facing traffic that is coming towards you.

5. Question 5

   A vehicle may not be stopped alongside or opposite any other vehicle where the roadway is less than what width?

   • A 9 metres
   • B 12 metres
   • C 15 metres
   Show answer

   Answer: A: 9 metres

   You may not stop next to or opposite another vehicle where the road is less than 9 metres wide.

6. Question 6

   Which ONE of the following is NOT a place where the law prohibits the stopping of a vehicle on the roadway of a public road?

   • A Within the railway reserve at a level crossing
   • B On the left-hand side of the roadway, in the direction of travel
   • C On the right-hand side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic
   Show answer

   Answer: B: On the left-hand side of the roadway, in the direction of travel

   The left side of the road is not on the no-stopping list, but the railway's land at a level crossing is.