Parking, Stopping and Prohibited Stopping Zones
Parking and stopping rules test the difference between a temporary halt and leaving the vehicle, and where both are banned. Kuwait’s exam uses kerb markings and junction proximity because these affect visibility and traffic flow.
Definitions
- Stopping is a temporary halt, for example to set down a passenger.
- Parking is leaving the vehicle unattended.
Prohibited places
- At junctions and within the approach to them.
- On pedestrian crossings and within the marked approach.
- At bus stops, fire hydrants and ambulance entrances.
- On pavements, on yellow kerb markings, and double parking.
- Blocking driveways, gates or disabled bays without a permit.
Legal parking
- Park parallel to the kerb, in the direction of traffic, within marked bays where provided.
- Apply the handbrake, select park or a gear, and switch off the engine.
- At night, ensure the vehicle is visible; use parking lights where required.
Worked example
You want to buy water and see a space on a yellow kerb close to a corner. Reasoning: the yellow kerb marks a stopping and parking restriction, and the corner space blocks sightlines for turning drivers and pedestrians. Hazard lights do not make it legal. Action: drive on to a legal bay. The test often shows a car with hazard lights in a banned zone; the lights do not cure the offence.
Traps that cost marks
- Believing hazard lights legalise illegal parking.
- Parking facing against the direction of traffic.
- Stopping on a crossing while waiting for a passenger.
- Parking across a dropped kerb.