9. Use Proper Parking Areas
Parking may seem like a small part of driving, but when done wrong, it causes big problems.
Improper parking leads to traffic congestion, accidents, fines, and even towing.
In India’s crowded cities and narrow streets, choosing the right parking spot is essential.
Why Proper Parking Matters
- Keeps roads clear and traffic flowing
- Prevents accidents and blind spots
- Ensures emergency vehicles can pass
- Avoids damage to your vehicle
- Reduces risk of theft or vandalism
Parking responsibly is part of being a responsible driver.
Common Parking Mistakes in India
- Parking on footpaths or sidewalks
- Blocking gates, driveways, or entrances
- Double-parking on busy roads
- Parking near intersections or blind curves
- Leaving vehicles in no-parking zones
These actions not only inconvenience others, they’re illegal and dangerous.
How cute! Sainik Puri cafes using Govt owned footpaths as their private parking. @CommissionrGHMC @GHMCOnline @RCKTRAFFIC Can you do something about this? How do you allow this? Most cafes on this road do not have deducted parking space.
Hello @MumbaiPolice, Do you have special parking permission from @myBESTBus to park at bus stops ? The car is blocking commuter’s view of buses and also blocking buses from stopping at their designated spots. Location: Jai Hind Cinema (North Bound)
Legal Rules and Penalties
- Parking in a no-parking zone: ₹500–₹1,000 fine
- Obstructing traffic or emergency access: higher fines or towing
- Repeat violations may lead to license points or impoundment
Traffic police and municipal authorities regularly issue challans and tow vehicles parked improperly.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari made a big announcement to curb the menace of wrong parking in India. Gadkari said he is mulling a legislation under which a person who sends a photo of a wrongly parked vehicle will be rewarded.
Common Myths Busted
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "I’ll just park for a minute." | Even short stops can block traffic or cause accidents. |
| "There’s no sign, so it’s allowed." | Absence of signage doesn’t mean permission. Use common sense and local rules. |
| "Everyone parks here." | That doesn’t make it legal or safe. |
What You Should Do
- Park only in designated parking zones or lots
- Avoid blocking entrances, exits, or pedestrian paths
- Use paid parking when available, it’s safer and more secure
- If unsure, ask locals or check for signage
- In residential areas, park without disturbing others or blocking movement
Key Takeaways
- Improper parking causes chaos and penalties
- Always choose legal, safe, and respectful parking spots
- Parking right is part of driving right
Real life examples
Car parked in middle of Mumbai road, causing major traffic jams. These videos from India convince me that our lack of civic sense will continue forever😭
I had said it for a reason. We are low IQ people. Nearly 30% slots on this floor were empty. Guy parked in a "No Parking" in front of a fire hose. It isn't about rules. It's just absence of common sense. And like Bothra sir said, no amount of enforcement can fix this country.
India doesn't have best of brains.
Someone thought it was a good idea to park right below a 'No Parking' sign and block the cars inside our apartment gate in Indiranagar. @blrcitytraffic can some action be taken since this has become common here!
Even when there is plenty of space on the road with marked parking, these motorists will park on the footpath because they can't walk 200 meters. Police do remove illegally parked vehicles, but even they are overworked due to the sheer number of violators. 📍 Besant Nagar
लोहा मंडी बस स्टैंड बना अवैध पार्किंग का अड्डा। आखिर कब होगी कार्यवाही। @dtptraffic @DelhiPolice
Van parked in no parking area along the road side at cotton green station near MG service station double parking done @MTPHereToHelp @MumbaiPolice
@HYDTP @JubileehillsTr Please have a look at the number vehicles parked along peddamma gudi metro station, even at no parking sign board on Oct 30 & 31. Are the establishments not responsible for unauthorised parking of vehicles by their customers ?
I commute daily on this strech and find that situation is same. I realised that there is no point is bring issues to notice of Hyderabad police as ground reality is something else. Why commuters have to suffer because of unauthorised parking.Challans are not deterrent
Illegal Parking: Here's how roads in Parel look like after @mybmc cracked down on illegal parking near public parking lots
@MCD_Delhi @dtptraffic @p_sahibsingh @gupta_rekha ये हाल है अवैध पार्किंग का, लाल किला के दोनों साइड आधे से ज्यादा रोड घेर कर गाड़िया पार्क कराई जा रही है कृपया करके इस अवैध पार्किंग को जल्द से जल्द यहां से हटाया जाए इससे हम आम जनता को भारी जाम का सामना करना पड़ता है
Regular parking/encroachment on footpaths is a daily ritual near Vishwavidyalaya metro station exit gate towards Timarpur, while the pedestrians are forced to walk on the road. It seems @dtptraffic and @DelhiPolice are too busy to look into it. #RoadSafety @CMODelhi
@blrcitytraffic @BBMPofficial your staff are sleeping. This is ITPL main road opp Shantiniketan, footpaths encroached illegal parking on road blocking traffic but not action taken for years. Why this apathy? @WFRising @ChristinMP_ @DKShivakumar @MALimbavali
In Fim City Noida out of 3 lanes 2 reserved for parking only 1 lane left for traffic.Roads in Noida are used only by illegal parking mafia now. I also know Admn will NOT act but still want common people to know how ineffective is our Govt @Uppolice @noidapolice @CMOfficeUP
How cute! Sainik Puri cafes using Govt owned footpaths as their private parking. @CommissionrGHMC @GHMCOnline @RCKTRAFFIC Can you do something about this? How do you allow this? Most cafes on this road do not have deducted parking space.
You don't need to do any special course to find ignorant people, you can find them around you! A viral video from Delhi NCR shows someone Parked a Car in the middle of road obstructing traffic including of Security Force vehicles
So many people, including children, have to walk in the middle of the road due to illegal parking, hawkers and private builders taking over road for their construction at peak hours. This is Nehru road, Vile Parle East, near shiv sagar hotel. Neither the @MumbaiPolice nor
Why @DelhiPolice @dtptraffic is not able to take single action against illegal parking violation at Purana Qulla road Lawyers chambers Delhi. Despite 10 times reported! Pragati Maidan tunnel exit towards India Gate. @gupta_rekha @LtGovDelhi @AmitShah @TOIDelhi
After reminding Sr. PI #Traffic #Mulund west 2-3 times but still #Illegal Parking continues on #BMC #Footpath outside #Runwal Anthurium by @dominos_india Kya #Dominos & Traffic dept. dono ki setting ?? #Mulundkars are sufferers @MTPHereToHelp
@opsinghips @NHAI_Official @police_haryana @RajeshMohan102 This is from yesterday 28/10/25. Complaining about this from almost a month, but it seems nobody cares about citizens. ये ही मामला अगर किसी बड़े अधिकारी ने उठाया होता तो अब तक इस अवैध पार्किंग का सफाया हो गया होता ।
@nitin_gadkari @MORTHIndia बार बार शिकायत करने के बाद भी इस समस्या का समाधान नहीं हुआ है । @NHAI_Official के अधिकारी आँख मूँध के सो रहे है । @dcptrafficggm क्या आप लोग किसी बड़ी दुर्घटना होने का इंतज़ार कर रहे हो ? @gurgaonpolice @DGPHaryana @DC_Gurugram .
Request To @MTPHereToHelp @MumbaiPolice plz take action Against illegal Parking Vehicle On School Area. Location :- Mumbai Public School Deonar Colony Complex no 1 Tata Nagar Govandi @abuasimazmi @AndheriLOCA @BankiMistry @GovandiCell @RoadsOfMumbai @PotholeWarriors #Nukkadlive
Kishtwar, J&K: ARTO Kishtwar, along with MVI and team, conducted an enforcement drive on the Kishtwar-Paddar road near the Keeru project. 31 heavy vehicles were e-challaned, and fines were collected for obstructing traffic and illegal parking
BKC mein illegal parking Mumbai Traffic Police Helpless @MTPHereToHelp
The guy on the left holding the child just parked his car like this and left. Why is civic sense so shit in India?
Please think about the people using footpaths as well.
How cute! Sainik Puri cafes using Govt owned footpaths as their private parking. @CommissionrGHMC @GHMCOnline @RCKTRAFFIC Can you do something about this? How do you allow this? Most cafes on this road do not have deducted parking space.
New rule, parking on footpaths allowed for vehicles with Bombay High court sticker!!! @MTPHereToHelp Loc- outside Bombay High court @mashrujeet @zoru75
Not the only place. The beautifully renovated Bandra station is also a great place to park “official” vehicles.
MH465044 was parked in NO PARKING. We checked and notified it to traffic police to avoid traffic jam. But no action taken, because this car belongs to police man. The car was parked for whole day. @Navimumpolice @MTPHereToHelp
No way are we becoming a superpower in its true sense like this.
"NO PARKING ZONE" Penalty --- Rs 250/-. (No one cared). (Some one removed NO and Changed the board to ) PARKING ZONE--- Rs 250/hr (No one parked). Welcome to India 😀😀🤓😎
Such a sad state.
Parking dispute in Delhi. Look at all the cars parked on the road. This is true for even the most posh colonies in Delhi.
Parking discipline…..is that even a thing?? Been in Sri Lanka and bro, people actually park properly here 😭 meanwhile in india....parallel, perpendicular, or pure chaos… all same 💀
Illegal towing by @ThaneCityPolice in tulsidham, there is not even a single 'No Parking' Board, No traffic. Police not announcing. Kapurbawdi Traffic Chowki is most corrupt chowki in #Thane Towing should stop asap or people will beat up your chappri boys someday. #mumbai
Before you leave your vehicle, ask yourself:
“Is this spot safe, legal, and considerate?”
Park smart. Keep roads clear. Respect the space.
8. Always Carry Valid Documents
Driving without valid documents can lead to fines, delays, and legal trouble. Learn what to carry and why it matters.
10. Always Use Dashcams
Dashcams are essential for capturing road incidents, protecting drivers legally, and promoting safer driving habits — especially in India.