Parking in Auckland City is in high demand, especially during peak times.
Auckland City Council parking officer's use education and enforcement to help
turn over parking spaces, road safety and keeping main thoroughfares free from
blockages.
The following is a list of infringements that parking officers issue. Under each infringement is a list of frequently asked questions. The answers will provide you with information explaining why a parking officer has issued a particular infringement notice.
The offence relates to a vehicle that does not have a
current evidence of vehicle inspection sticker more commonly referred to as a
warrant of fitness or WOF.
Auckland City Council issues these notices to vehicles that
are parked on public roads and Auckland City Council owned properties.
It is the driver’s responsibility, in choosing to park in a pay and display area, to obtain a parking receipt and display this on the dashboard of their vehicle, writing side up, so as to be clearly visible and conspicuous from outside the vehicle.
The offence relates to a vehicle that does not have a current evidence of vehicle inspection sticker more commonly referred to as a warrant of fitness or WOF.
Auckland City Council issues these notices to vehicles that are parked on public roads and Auckland City Council owned properties.
Under the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing) Act 1986, all vehicles must display a current licence label, also known as a registration label.
Time restricted parking creates the opportunity for a fair turnover of the available on-street parking. When a vehicle overstays the maximum authorised time, other motorists wishing to park can be disadvantaged.
Auckland City Council endeavours to provide a comprehensive range of parking services to meet the needs of the various user groups. It aims to manage the available parking in a manner that enables as many motorists as possible the opportunity to enjoy all the facilities of our city.
Auckland City Council sets aside parking areas specifically reserved for goods service vehicles.
Broken yellow lines are placed on a road where deemed necessary as a permanent and visible warning to drivers that parking on this portion of the road is not permitted, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One vehicle parked on, or partially on, broken yellow lines causes a physical and visual obstruction, thereby compromising the safety of other road users and pedestrians.
Clearways are designed for the safe and smooth flow of traffic on busy roads during peak hours. These areas must be kept free of stationary vehicles so that other motorists are not inconvenienced. Motorists expect to use roads without unnecessary delays during peak periods.
All vehicles should be removed prior to the commencement of the clearway as every minute a vehicle remains parked disadvantages other road users.
Footpaths are designed for the safe movement of people around the streets and are not designed for vehicles. The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 part 6.14 states that a driver or person in charge of a vehicle must not stop, stand or park the vehicle on a footpath.
Bus stops must be kept clear at all times to allow buses (large passenger vehicles) to park close to the kerb. This ensures passengers are able to enter or exit a bus safely and that traffic flow is not disrupted. One vehicle parked on a bus stop can hinder a bus from safely manoeuvring into and out of the area.
Parking on a bus stop is not permitted, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unless otherwise stated on the sign.
These areas can be multi-purpose, providing bus stops during peak travel times, and another restriction applicable at other times. It is always important to read all parking signs carefully.
Only vehicles where the driver or passenger are disabled, with an approved disabled person’s parking permit, such as a CCS Disability Action Mobility Parking Permit, prominently displayed in the vehicle are able to use a mobility parking space.
Permit holders must ensure that their Mobility Parking Permit is valid and clearly visible or they too will receive parking infringement notices and may be towed away.
Auckland City Council operates a residential parking scheme in certain streets, providing residents with limited parking spaces. These areas can be multi purpose, providing resident parking permit holders with parking in the evenings, and time restricted parking during the day. Residential parking schemes are also in place around Eden Park to ensure residents have parking during events at the stadium.
Driving across the road to park facing the wrong direction, against the traffic flow, creates a safety hazard not only to yourself but also to on-coming traffic and pedestrians. When exiting the parking space, there is greater risk of an accident happening as your span of vision is reduced.
On a one-way road, the vehicle must park in the same direction as the vehicles proceeding along the road and as close as practicable to either side of the road.
Areas within the city are set aside for taxis, so that passengers are able to enter or exit a taxi safely without disrupting the flow of traffic.
Taxi stands apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unless otherwise stated on the sign.
This includes when:
A vehicle parked alongside any part of a kerb crossing provided for a driveway or within one metre of the prolongation of the side of a driveway must be regarded as obstructing entry or exit.
No stopping areas are designed for pedestrian safety and the safe and smooth flow of traffic and must be kept free of stationary vehicles so that other road users are not inconvenienced.
These areas are commonly located in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near schools or busy shopping areas.
Auckland City Council has implemented bus/bike lanes on the main arterial routes in an effort to reduce passenger’s travelling time into and out of the city centre during peak hours (from 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm) Monday to Friday. The bus/bike lane must be kept free of stationary vehicles during the hours of operation.
All goods service vehicles utilising a goods service vehicles only loading zone are required to remain attended. A vehicle can only park in a loading zone for the purpose of loading or unloading goods. If you have already loaded or unloaded your vehicle and are required to stay on site for a period, you must park in a regular parking area.
To assist the numerous motoring groups with their parking needs, Auckland City Council sets aside parking areas restricting an area to certain types of vehicle or different user groups. During special events, parking areas can be set aside for the vehicles of volunteers, participants and transport service vehicles. Parking signs clearly identify who these areas are for.
A vehicle can only park in a loading zone for the purpose of loading or unloading goods. If you have already loaded or unloaded your vehicle and are required to stay on site for a period, you must park in a regular parking area.
Parked beside a stopped vehicle (double parked)
Double parking disrupts the flow of traffic, causing a visual and physical obstruction to other motorists and pedestrians. The Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 Part 6.11 states that a driver or person in charge of a vehicle must not stop, stand or park the vehicle so that any other stopped vehicle is located between his or her vehicle and the nearest edge of the roadway.
- This includes when:
A person remains in the vehicle
- It is only for a short period of time
- You are waiting for a parking space to become available
- The engine is running
- You are waiting to pick someone up or are dropping someone off.
FAQ
A vehicle was indicating that they were vacating a space and I wanted to park in that space
I am a taxi driver and have a legal defence to double park
I was delivering goods and all the available parking spaces were taken
Parked in a bus parking area
Due to the size of buses, parking areas do not readily accommodate them. Bus parking areas are therefore placed to facilitate these large vehicles. Any other vehicle parked in a bus parking areas reduces the parking spaces available.
This includes when:
- A person remains in the vehicle
- It is only for a short period of time
- You are waiting for a parking space to become available
- The engine is running
- You are waiting to pick someone up or are dropping someone off.
Bus parking areas can be multi-purpose, providing bus parking overnight and regular on-street parking during the day. It is always important to read all parking signs carefully.
FAQ
I was parked at the front of the bus parking area and there was plenty of room behind me
Parked within 500mm of a fire hydrant
A fire hydrant must be kept clear at all times so that access to the water supply is immediately available in case of an emergency. The handle used to operate the fire hydrant is one metre in length. Parking within 500mm prevents the turning of the handle and may result in damage to the vehicle. The New Zealand Fire Service will use force if necessary to remove vehicles in an emergency.
FAQ
I was not aware that there was a fire hydrant there
Failed to park as close as practical to the left or right
Vehicles parked with an unacceptable amount of roadway between the vehicle and the kerb are not deemed to be parked in the manner required by law. Road safety is compromised in such circumstances and infringement notices will be issued accordingly.
FAQ
The rear of my vehicle was only a bit further away from the kerb
Another vehicle was parked inconsiderately and I couldn’t fit my entire vehicle in the space
Failed to display registration plate(s)
Every vehicle on New Zealand roads is required to display registration plates. Plates are required to be manufactured of embossed aluminium and issued by NZTA. The plates should be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle (for a motorcycle, moped, tractor or trailer the pate should be displayed on the rear) and should be clearly readable.
This type of infringement is issued when a vehicle does not display one or both of the required registration plates.
FAQ
The vehicle’s bumper and registration plate was damaged in an accident
The registration plate(s) had been stolen
No current evidence of inspection – commercial vehicle
All vehicles on New Zealand roads must display current evidence of vehicle inspection. For commercial vehicles such as a goods service vehicles, taxis and rental vehicles, this is also known as a Certificate of Fitness or COF. If a vehicle does not display a current COF it should not be used on a public road, other than for being brought to compliance.
FAQ
The COF had only expired a week ago and is booked for an inspection
Why issue this notice?
The vehicle was parked outside my own home and I do not have off street parking
My vehicle has an exemption from NZTA in order for me to carry out repairs
My vehicle failed its COF test, but I have 28 days to complete the repairs
I displayed the check sheet on the dashboard
My vehicle is roadworthy and only failed on a minor point
I didn’t realise the COF had expired, it was a genuine oversight and I have now obtained one
I did not receive a reminder from the garage as I have moved address
I needed to use my vehicle for work on that day
The vehicle was parked not operated
Can a parking officer issue an infringement notice for this offence?
Failed to display registration plate(s) in the prescribed manner
Every vehicle on New Zealand roads is required to display registration plates. Plates are required to be manufactured of embossed aluminium and issued by NZTA. The plates should be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle (for a motorcycle, moped, tractor or trailer the pate should be displayed on the rear) and should be clearly readable.
FAQ
The plate is displayed on the dashboard of the car
Parked contrary to a sign no parking at all times
No stopping restrictions are installed in areas where the area is required to be free of vehicles. These restrictions can apply at certain times on specific days or can be temporary in nature when road works are being carried out. Parking in these zones can cause an obstruction to the traffic flow and inconvenience other vehicles.
FAQ
I was not aware the road was going to be resealed
Displays other than appropriate registration plate(s)
Every vehicle on New Zealand roads is required to display registration plates. Plates are required to be manufactured of embossed aluminium and issued by NZTA. The plates should be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle and should be clearly readable. They should not be obscured by any object.
Plates made of plastic, un-embossed aluminium, cardboard, wood or sticker plates are not legal.
FAQ
My vehicle is a European model and the plates are as they were when the vehicle was purchased
I have replaced the plate(s) with new ones issued by NZTA, will you cancel my infringement?
Parked in an area restricted to licensed street stalls
Stall holders pay a fee in order to place their stalls on street. These stalls provide goods and services to the public, for example, hot food in areas of high demand during the evening in the central city. Any other vehicles parked in these zones can prevent the stall holder from conducting their business.
These areas may be multi-purpose, providing licensed street stallholder parking in the evenings and regular on-street parking during the day. It is always important to read all parking signs carefully.
FAQ
I did not realise it was a restricted area as I have parked here before without being towed
Parked on a pedestrian mall
The purpose of a pedestrian mall is to provide a place where pedestrians can move about safely and enjoy their surroundings. Parked vehicles disrupt the mall’s environment and increase the possibility of pedestrian accidents. People expect to move freely around the mall without having to check for vehicles.
FAQ
I didn’t know I was not allowed to park there
I was attending a play at the Maidment Theatre and have parked on Alfred Street in the past
Parked a goods vehicle not displaying a rear position lamp at night
During the hours of darkness, any heavy motor vehicle or vehicle fitted with a flat deck or tray for the carriage of goods is required to display a red light to the rear of the vehicle on the side closest to the road. The light must be visible for up to 100m. Any vehicle that fails to display this light causes a hazard to other road users
FAQ
The bulb had blown and I have now replaced it
The truck was parked under a street light and was visible
Parked facing the wrong direction
Driving across the road to park facing the wrong direction, against the traffic flow, creates a safety hazard not only to yourself but also to on-coming traffic and pedestrians. When exiting the parking space, there is greater risk of an accident happening as your span of vision is reduced.
On a one-way road, the vehicle must park in the same direction as the vehicles proceeding along the road and as close as practicable to either side of the road.
FAQ
I am in New Zealand on holiday and it is OK to park in the opposite direction in my home country.
I parked in the wrong direction so that I could safely unload goods from my vehicle
I accessed the one-way from the other direction and parked close to the intersection
Parked in an area restricted to two wheeled vehicles
Auckland City Council sets aside separate parking areas for two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles and scooters. Any vehicles not of this class parked in these areas further restrict the already limited space set aside for them.
This includes when:
- A person remains in the vehicle
- It is only for a short period of time
- You are waiting for a parking space to become available
- The engine is running
- You are waiting to pick someone up or are dropping someone off.
FAQ
The area was free of bikes when I parked
Obscured registration plate
Every vehicle on New Zealand roads is required to display registration plates. Plates are required to be manufactured of embossed aluminium and issued by NZTA. The plates should be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle and should be clearly readable. They should not be obscured by any object.
FAQ
My vehicle is fitted with bull bars and the plate can be seen behind them
The vehicle’s bumper and registration plate was damaged in an accident
Parked within an intersection or within 6m of an intersection
A vehicle parked within an intersection, or within 6m of an intersection, increases the risk of accidents as this reduces the span of vision of other motorists and pedestrians. Motorists making a turn can also be forced into another lane or on-coming traffic to get around a parked vehicle.
This includes when:
- A person remains in the vehicle
- It is only for a short period of time
- The engine is running
- You are waiting to pick someone up or are dropping someone off.
FAQ
There were no road markings or signs stating I couldn’t park there
I was sitting in the vehicle waiting to pick up a passenger
Parked in an area restricted to Police vehicles
Parking areas set aside for Police vehicles are typically outside court houses and Police stations and they must be kept clear of other vehices.
FAQ
I parked on Kingdon Street at 11pm outside the Auckland District Court because the Police don’t need to park there after court hours.
I had to go to the Police station to make a statement
Parked within 6m of an indicated bus stop
Bus stops must be kept clear at all times to allow buses (large passenger vehicles) to park close to the kerb. This ensures passengers are able to enter or exit a bus safely and that traffic flow is not disrupted. Parking on a bus stop can hinder a bus from safely manoeuvring into and out of the area and is therefore not permitted, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unless otherwise stated on the sign.
FAQ
What does indicated bus stop mean?
Parked without reasonable consideration for other road users
Anyone using the road in New Zealand has an obligation under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 Part 6.1 to park in the following manner:
- legally
- with due care
- without obstructing other road users.
FAQ
What does this offence mean?
Operated a vehicle with a smooth tyre
All vehicles on New Zealand roads are required to be fitted with safe tyres. If the surface of the tyre is smooth or damaged in any way, this affects the tyre’s ability to grip the road surface and endangers the safety of both the occupants of the vehicle and other road users.
The Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001 states that a tyre must be of good quality and construction, fit for it’s purpose and maintained in a safe condition. It must have a tread of not less than 1.5mm in depth across at least three-quarters of the width of the tread and around the entire circumference of the tyre.
Infringement notices may be issued to tyres that have a smooth surface or if the tyre is clearly damaged or if the cords are visible.
FAQ
Can a parking officer issue an infringement notice for this offence?
I have replaced the tyre(s)
Why did I get more than one infringement notice?
Do the parking officers have the same training as vehicle inspectors?
Why can't they get a trained vehicle inspector to verify that the tyres are to a safe standard?
In a recession, people can not afford $150 per tyre plus the new tyres?
Do the police enforce this? How often? I have been pulled over by the police and they haven't even looked at my tyres, only registration and warrant.
There is a separate enforcement agency that governs road safety aspect of vehicles, doesn’t this undermine the vehicle inspectors who have made a judgement that the tyres will last for the 6 month period?
How is this an issue for local government to enforce?
Unattended bus on a bus stop
Under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 Part 6.15(3), any bus parked on a bus stop must remain attended at all times.
FAQ
I am a bus driver and arrived earlier than scheduled to start the trip, so I stepped out for some air
I needed a bathroom break
My bus is a tour bus and I had taken the tour group to a destination
Operated a vehicle with a damaged tyre
All vehicles on New Zealand roads are required to be fitted with safe tyres. If the surface of the tyre is smooth or damaged in any way, this affects the tyre’s ability to grip the road surface and endangers the safety of both the occupants of the vehicle and other road users.
The Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001 states that a tyre must be of good quality and construction, fit for it’s purpose and maintained in a safe condition. It must have a tread of not less than 1.5mm in depth across at least three-quarters of the width of the tread and around the entire circumference of the tyre.
Infringement notices may be issued to tyres that have a smooth surface or if the tyre is clearly damaged or if the cords are visible.
FAQ
Can a parking officer issue an infringement notice for this offence?
I have replaced the tyre(s)
Why did I get more than one infringement notice?
Do the parking officers have the same training as vehicle inspectors?
Why can't they get a trained vehicle inspector to verify that the tyres are to a safe standard?
In a recession, people can not afford $150 per tyre plus the new tyres?
Do the police enforce this? How often? I have been pulled over by the police and they haven't even looked at my tyres, only registration and warrant.
There is a separate enforcement agency that governs road safety aspect of vehicles, doesn’t this undermine the vehicle inspectors who have made a judgement that the tyres will last for the 6 month period?
How is this an issue for local government to enforce?
Parked close to a bend obstructing traffic
A vehicle parked close to a bend or an intersection increases the risk of accidents as the span of vision of other motorists and pedestrians is reduced. Additionally, turning motorists can be forced into another lane or on-coming traffic to manoeuvre around a parked vehicle.
FAQ
I have always parked this way outside my house
Parked on a broken yellow line on approach to a pedestrian crossing
Broken yellow lines are placed on a road where deemed necessary as a permanent and visible warning to drivers that parking on this portion of the road is not permitted, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One vehicle parked on, or partially on, broken yellow lines on approach to a pedestrian crossing causes a physical and visual obstruction, thereby compromising the safety of other road users and pedestrians, as well as increasing the risk of accidents.
This includes the following situations:
- the driver is sitting in the vehicle
- the motor is running
- the hazard lights are flashing
- the vehicle is waiting to pick someone up/drop someone off.
FAQ
I was dropping off a passenger and had only stopped to let them out
Unlicensed motor vehicle
Trade plates are required to be renewed each year and displayed on the rear of the vehicle. A trade plate replaces the need for registration plates and licence labels. The vehicle must still have a current evidence of inspection sticker or a safety check sheet form displayed in the vehicle.
An infringement notice can be issued when the trade plate displayed is not from the current year.
FAQ
I have a current trade plate but had not displayed it on the vehicle
Parked on a cycle path
Cycle paths are designed to allow cyclists to travel safely to their destination. By allocating a lane separate to the normal vehicle lane, the potential for accidents is reduced, as well as making travel by bicycle a viable alternative to travelling by private vehicle.
A single vehicle parked in a cycle lane causes a significant obstruction to cyclists, who may be forced into the main path of traffic, thereby reducing their safety.
FAQ
I only stopped to drop-off/pick-up a passenger
Parked on a pedestrian crossing
A vehicle parked on or close to a pedestrian crossing increases the risk of accidents. The span of vision of other motorists and pedestrians is reduced.
FAQ
There are no signs that state I cannot park close or on a pedestrian crossing
Left a taxi unattended on a taxi stand
All taxis are required to remain attended while stopped on a taxi stand. The driver must be present at all times.
FAQ
I needed a bathroom break
Parked a trailer on a roadway for more than 7 days
Any trailer parked on a public road must not be kept stationary for more than 7 days. The public road is for the use of all road users, not for the exclusive use of local residents. If the trailer is not in use, it should be stored on private property.
FAQ
I didn’t know this was an offence
Last updated February 2010
