Parking in Adelaide: A Complete Guide
- Parking Restrictions and Laws in Adelaide
- Angle Parking Restrictions and Laws
- Heavy Vehicle Parking
- Stopping and Parking Restrictions and Laws
- Where Stopping and Parking Are Banned
- Clearways
- Time Limits
- Parking at Night
- Exemptions to Parking Rules
- Things to Do if You Receive a Parking Expiation Notice
- Demerit Points
- List of Parking Locations in Adelaide
- Different Parking Options in Adelaide
- Disability Parking Scheme
- FAQs about Parking in Adelaide
Over 190,000 families in Greater Adelaide own one or more automobiles, according to a 2021 census done by Profile. Given that this enormous number is still increasing, it‘s normal for Adelaide’s streets to become quite busy and congested occasionally.
Some of the major (and most stress-inducing) results of the city streets getting crowded are having difficulty dealing with parking restrictions and finding a suitable parking spot.
We understand how frustrating these can be, so we’re here to lend a hand. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced motorist, continue reading to learn about parking laws and where to find parking spots for a stress-free drive!
Parking Restrictions and Laws in Adelaide
The South Australian government has implemented a long list of parking restrictions and laws that motorists must always follow. The subsequent sections will thoroughly discuss these street regulations.
Parallel Parking Restrictions and Laws
Parallel parking is when you park your vehicle parallel or close to the roadside.
Australia has a law that states that you must always do parallel parking unless some signs or markings indicate some other options.
Here are other significant parallel parking restrictions and laws.
| If… | What you should do |
| Facing the traffic flow | Park in the direction where the traffic flow is headed |
| On a two-way street | Parallel park as close as you can to the left side of the street |
| On a one-way street | Parallel park as close as you can to the right side of the street |
| There are markings of parking spaces | Automobiles must be parked in one bay only Exception: Automobiles that are too huge or lengthy to fit in one bay (they should only park in the minimum number of available parking spaces |
| There are no markings of parking spaces | Keep a one-meter gap between your automobile and the automobiles on your front and back |
| There are continuing dividing lines | Keep a three-meter minimum gap between your automobile and the dividing lines Exception: Parking areas where a different minimum gap is indicated by a sign |
| There are no continuing dividing lines | Keep a three-meter minimum gap between your automobile and the other side of the road |
Angle Parking Restrictions and Laws
Angle parking is when you park your vehicle at an angle appropriate to the curb. This regulation should be followed by motorists when there’s an “Angle Parking” sign or marking in the street’s parking zone.
| If… | What you should do |
| There’s a street marker indicating that angles other than 90 degrees are allowed | Automobiles must only be parked with their front side facing the curb Exception: If there’s a sign or marking that directs otherwise |
| There’s an Angle Parking signage but no specific angle is stated | A 45-degree position must be strictly maintained Exception: If there’s a street marker that directs otherwise |
| On a street where a marker demands a 90-degree parking angle | Park only with either your automobile’s front or back side facing the curb Exception: If there’s a street marker that directs otherwise |
Heavy Vehicle Parking
Motorists operating very heavy vehicles must
- Not block the street access of pedestrians and other motorists
- Not park in a built-up area for more than an hour
| A built-up area is a portion of the road with street lights or buildings situated on the land adjacent to the road. For a zone to be considered a built-up area, these structures must be separated by a distance of not more than 100 meters. |
- Exception 1: There is a marker, sign, or other traffic control mechanism that permits a longer stay
- Exception 2: f you’re dropping off or picking up passengers
- Exception 3: If you only stay for as long as is required to complete your task of dropping off or picking up goods
- Exception 4: If you have a council-approved exception permit
Stopping and Parking Restrictions and Laws
“Stopping” is when a vehicle remains stationary for a certain period. Motorists are not permitted to stop in any portion of the road that has a “No Stopping” sign, marker, or continuous yellow edge lines.
| If… | What you should do |
|---|---|
| A “No Stopping” or “No Parking” marker is present on the road area where a motorist wants to park | Don’t stop or park at all costs Exception: Motorists doing critical activities, such as dropping off/picking up goods or people This will only be legal if the following criteria are met: Criteria 1: The stationary vehicle is going to be attended and the motorist is not going to move at a distance of more than three meters away from the vehicle Criteria 2: The motorist successfully fulfills their task as soon as possible or within a two-minute timeframe |
Where Stopping and Parking Are Banned
Unless there’s a sign or marking that allows you to do otherwise, you’re not allowed to park or stop your vehicle when you’re
| Approximately 20 meters from a junction with traffic lights |  |
| 10 meters in an intersection that doesn’t have traffic lights Exception: If your automobile is parked on the T-intersection’s continuing road that’s opposite the terminating road |  Photo courtesy of News |
| Across/on a driveway or on a different path of entry for automobiles that are headed to private land Exception: Motorists dropping off or picking up individuals within a 2-minute timeframe (this exemption will only work if the vehicle will be attended) |  Photo courtesy of TheTelegraph |
| Within 20 meters of a pedestrian crossing or within 10 meters following a pedestrian crossing |  |
| On an area where “Keep Clear” signs or markings are erected |  |
| One meter within a fire hydrant |  |
| Within 10 meters ahead of a bus stop zone and within 20 meters before a bus stop zone |  Photo courtesy of Commons |
| Within 20 meters before and after the nearest railway’s track or rail |  |
| Next to a vehicle that’s currently in a double parking position |  Photo courtesy of BKReader |
| Within a loading zone Exception: Motorists who are loading or unloading goods within a 30-minute timeframe or any period specifically allowed by the zone’s sign or marking |  |
| A public or taxi or bus driver who’s dropping off or picking up passengers |  |
| On a ramp, causeway, bridge, culvert, or tunnel Exception: If the road has the same length within or on the structure as it has on all of the structure’s approaches |  |
| On nearby a curve or crest just outside of a built-up area Exception: Motorists who are visible to other motorists driving in a similar direction for at least 100 meters of the zoned area |  |
| On the following road areas: dividing strip, nature strip, or footpath |  |
| Within a 3-meter distance of a post box Exception: Motorists dropping off or picking up passengers or mail |  |
| In a PWD-reserved parking area Exception: Motorists who hold permits |  |
It’s also crucial to remember that a motorist who drives a vehicle with an alcohol interlock device is not completely invulnerable to these regulations and restrictions.
The motorist will only have a defense against a parking infraction if they stay within the car. Stopping longer than the timeframe needed to finish the legal requirements of this instance is also not allowed.
Clearways
Clearways are the streets’ lengths where parking is strictly prohibited during hours when traffic’s at its heaviest.
The hours when parking on clearways is allowed are stipulated by a street signage or marker on the clearway’s entry point.
Kindly keep in mind that motorists dropping off or picking up passengers (with the exemption of bus drivers) during operating hours are not exempted from this rule.
Time Limits
When referring to traffic regulations, the term “Time Limits” is used to let motorists know exactly how long they can park in a certain spot on the road.
| Motorists will be penalized with a driving offense if they linger longer than allowed in an area where there is a time limit in place. Additionally, motorists would face greater sanctions if they put more money into the parking meter or ticket machine. |
Of course, this limitation has several exceptions. The following perks apply to automobiles that show an Australian disability permit:
- The right to park for 30 minutes even if the parking sign says that there is a shorter time restriction
- If the parking sign merely specifies a 30-minute time restriction, the right to park for up to an hour
- The advantage of parking for twice as long as it says on the notice (only if the sign states a 1-hour or more time limit)
It’s important to remember that a permit holder is only obligated to pay the time specified on the parking notice if there is a payable cost for street parking.
They’re not required to make the additional payment during the period they’re allowed to stop, though.
It’s also important to remember that these additional time allowances are voided on parking spaces set aside specifically for people with disabilities.
Parking at Night
Parking at night can get confusing so here are the restrictions and laws to help you.
| If… | What you should do |
|---|---|
| Your automobile doesn’t have any parking lights | Don’t park at night Exception: Automobiles parked near a source of illumination Criterion: These sources (e.g. street lights or lamps) should be clear enough to make the stationary automobile visible from within a 200-meter distance |
| The parking or stopping zone doesn’t have a close source of nighttime illumination | Don’t park at night Exception: Automobiles that are equipped with clear and not blindingly bright front and back parking lights |
| You’re operating an automobile that’s 2.2 meters wide or wider | You’d be required to have side clearance and marker lights that would make your automobile visible from a 200-meter distance Exception: Clearly illuminated vehicles with the same width or wider |
Exemptions to Parking Rules
The aforementioned parking restrictions and laws do not apply under the following circumstances:
- If the motorist is trying to avoid or has avoided colliding with other automobiles, pedestrians, or road/roadside structures (e.g. road barricades and nearby establishments).
- If the motorist’s vehicle (no matter what the size or length is) is unable to move due to a variety of factors (e.g. mechanical, human, and natural)
- If certain a condition (with medical issues as the prime example) of the motorist or passengers comes up
- Motorists operating automobiles that are in a rush due to an emergency (e.g. fire trucks and ambulances)
- Motorists cooperating with the area’s law enforcement officers
- If the motorist is complying with a different law or restriction
- The amount of time when the cooperating motorists are shielded from road restrictions or laws will be determined by the timeframe required by whatever circumstance they’re facing.
- Movement of the vehicle must continue as soon as the task is fulfilled or as soon as the motorist is capable of it.
Here are other important reminders motorists must always keep in mind.
- Motorists operating for the country’s postal and medical departments are only invulnerable from these rules if they are doing their tasks.
- Bus drivers are allowed to stop to drop off and pick up passengers in restricted areas, but this perk won’t apply if the passengers are going to be dropped off or picked up on the following roadways: the South-Eastern Freeway and Southern Expressway.
- Lastly, motorists traversing the said roadways are only permitted to halt in the emergency stopping lanes if an emergency occurs.
Things to Do if You Receive a Parking Expiation Notice
Expiation notices are given to motorists who commit a traffic offense or offenses.
There are several reasons why these notices are issued, but the most common ones are careless driving or unlicensed driving.
If you ever receive an expiation notice, here are the following things that you should do.
- As much as you can, maintain your composure because panicking might make you sound guilty or uncooperative.
- Always check the camera photo used by police officers to verify your identity and offense. You can access these photos by going to ExpiationPhoto.
- If you want to dispute the photos or the expiation notice, you can submit a demand request online at ExpiationPhoto
- If you’re proven to have committed an offense, the law will require you to pay your expiation notice. You can do this online via Bpoint, by cheque addressed to “SA Police,” through post offices, via landline at 1300 361 335, and by installments at 1800 659 538 or FinesSA (an additional fee will apply if you choose the installment options).
- You may also go to court by electing to be prosecuted for the alleged offense written in your notice. You can do this right after receiving the expiation notice, or if your application for reviewal or dispute gets denied. We recommend getting legal assistance before fully committing to this move.
Demerit Points
It’s also very important to remember that the country of Australia has a demerit point system that’s intended to limit road accidents or offenses.
Once you get your license, you’ll start with zero demerit points. You’ll only gain one if you commit a traffic offense.
| Motorists who receive 12 or more demerit points within 3 years will be subject to license disqualification. |
A 6–12 month license disqualification period would also take effect in the case of holders of a learner’s permit or provisional license. This will happen if they would receive four or more demerit points.
The longevity of the disqualification period highly depends on the level of the offense.
Last but not least, the number of demerit points an offending motorist will receive shall be calculated based on how likely the offense will cause an accident.
The table below shows the number of demerit points certain offenses will give you.
| SPEEDING OFFENSES | DEMERIT POINTS |
| By less than 10 km/h | 2 |
| By 20 km/h or more but less than 30 km/h | 5 |
| By 45 km/h or more (excessive speed)* | 9 |
| GENERAL OFFENSES | DEMERIT POINTS |
| Failing to stop for a red traffic light | 3 |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 3 |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 3 |
The expiration of these points will be three years after the exact date the offense is committed.
For example, the points you received for an offense on May 21, 2016, will all expire on May 21, 2019.
List of Parking Locations in Adelaide
Listed below are the places in the city of Adelaide where you can park your vehicle.
Wilson Parking – East End Car Park
8 Union Street
Open for 24 Hours
Secure Parking – Rundle Place Car Park
90-100 Grenfell St
5 am t0 12 am
Upark – Parking Rundle
163/185 Rundle St
Open for 24 Hours
Secure Parking Lot – 165 Franklin Street Car Park
165 Franklin St
5 pm to 6 am
Wilson Parking – Adelaide Central Car Park
215-225 North Terrace
6 am to 12:30 am
Wilson Parking – 23 Franklin Street Car Park
26 Grote St
Open for 24 Hours
The Myer Centre Car Park
Myer Centre Adelaide
Open for 24 Hours
Secure Parking – 431 King William Street Car Park
25 to 27 Holland St
Open for 24 Hours
Secure Parking – State Centre Car Park
State Centre, 172 Gawler Pl
5 am to 7 pm
Secure Parking – Plaza Car Park
14 Solomon St
5 am to 12 am
Secure Parking – Solomon Street Car Park
16 Solomon St
Open for 24 Hours
Car Park
100 Waymouth St
Open for 24 hours
North Terrace Car Park
Adelaide City Centre
Open for 24 Hours
Wilson Parking – 247-259 Pirie Street Car Park
247-259 Pirie St
Open for 24 Hours
Wilson Parking – 30 Hindley St Car Park
30 Hindley St
Open for 24 Hours
UPark Wyatt
18-34 Wyatt St.
6 am to 12 am
Wilson Parking – 21 Bent Street Car Park
21 Bent St
6 am to 12 am
UPark Topham
52/54 Waymouth St
5:30 am to 12:30 am
Wilson Parking – 251 North Terrace
251 North Terrace
7:45 am to 6 pm
Auto Park on Mill Street
19-21 Mill St
6 am to 7:30 pm
Adelaide Car Parking
11 Wright St
Open for 24 Hours
Wilson Parking – City West Car Park
189/208 Hindley St
6 am to 3 am
Secure Parking – Tatham Street Car Park
9 Tatham St
Open for 24 Hours
Wilson Parking
111 Angas St
Open for 24 Hours
Wilson Parking Halifax Street
Halifax St
Open for 24 Hours
Wilson Parking – 252-260 Street
252-260 Pirie St
9:30 am to 7 pm
UPark Andrew
2-8 Andrew St
Open for 24 Hours
UPark Central Market
60 Gouge St
Open for 24 Hours
Franklin Central Car Park
83 Franklin St
Open for 24 Hours
Wilson Parking 229 Flinders Street
229 Flinders St
Open for 24 Hours
Park on Franklin
50 Franklin St
6 am to 10 pm
Wilson Parking – 14-24 Rosina Street
14-24 Rosina St
Open for 24 Hours
Wilson Parking 169 Morphett Street
169 Morphett St
Open for 24 Hours
15 Pitt St Garage
15 Pitt St
Open for 24 Hours
Adelaide Car Parking – Flinders St
218 Flinders St
Open for 24 Hours
Upark Gawler
9/17 Gawler PI
7 am to 8:30 pm
UPark Light
22/140 Currie St
Open for 24 Hours
Upark Frome
Level 1/22-30 Frome St
Open for 24 Hours
Upark Pirie Flinders
191-207 Pirie St
6 am to 12 am
Different Parking Options in Adelaide
Listed below are the parking options the city of Adelaide offers.
Disability Parking Scheme
The Disability Parking Scheme refers to a specialized parking option that can only be accessed by those who own the Australian Disability Parking Permit
For those looking to get a hold of a Disability Parking Permit, it can be processed at SA.Gov.
Residential Parking
Residential parking is a parking option that allows owners of properties in Adelaide without a private parking space to park in the following areas.
- Time-limited zones with a time limit of an hour or more
- Paid/ticketed zones with a time limit of an hour or more
- Designated residential permit zones
Automobiles parked in these areas must be transferred every 24 hours. You must also check if there are markers in these parking spaces that indicate zone changes.
For you to acquire the benefits of the Residential Parking option you
- must be a resident of the City of Adelaide Council area,
- an owner of a property
- or someone with a tenancy/lease agreement that is eligible in the said area,
- and you must own a valid and active vehicle registration certificate.
If you meet these requirements, you may proceed to CityofAdelaide to process or renew your permit.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking refers to the act of parking a vehicle in car parking spaces on the road within an assigned area
Please take note that the city of Adelaide has multiple on-street parking spaces that have time limits. This is to ensure that all motorists using the city’s roadways can get parking spaces no matter the time.
Off-Street Parking
Off-street parking refers to the act of parking a vehicle in available parking spaces within an enclosed private or public lot or garage.
The city of Adelaide publicly owns and operates off-street car parks referred to as UPark.
These car parks are situated in 9 locations (you can check these locations in the parking locations section) throughout the city and have over 6,000 parking spaces.
Accessibility Parking
Accessibility Parking is a parking privilege that grants you access to the UPark car parks. An Accessibility Pass is required to attain this privilege.
The processing of the Accessibility Pass can be done at CityofAdelaide.
The great part of owning the Accessibility Pass is it will also grant owners up to two hours of free parking up to 52 times every year.
Motorcycle Parking
Motorcycle parking refers to the areas where motorcycles are allowed to park. This includes motorized scooters.
Motorcycle parking zones may also include free parking spots on dedicated footpaths. The same thing is true on designated ticketed motorcycle zones within the car parks of UPark.
These zones may also include limited (the time limit will vary from zone to zone) free on-street parking.
Royal Adelaide Hospital Parking Options
There are parking zones at the Royal Adelaide Hospital car park. Keep in mind that RAH has nearly 2,300 car spaces on-site.
These car parks include 15-minute patient pick-up and drop-off areas situated on levels 2 and 3 of the hospital’s parking zone.
This hospital also offers 50 accessible spaces for those who can present a Disability Parking Permit.
These accessible spaces are located close to the hospital’s lift lobbies and main entrance.
