Residential parking rules

Brisbane residential areas have parking rules in place to ensure parked or stopped vehicles do not affect local access or traffic flow. If vehicles are illegally parked, Brisbane City Council can help.

Report illegal parking

Parking rules and regulations in Brisbane maintain the safety of all road users and pedestrians. They also ensure street parking is available for all to use.

An illegally or dangerously parked vehicle is any vehicle parked outside of Brisbane City Council's parking rules and regulations. It is also any vehicle that may be creating a public safety problem.

Council may issue a parking fine or have a vehicle towed if parked illegally or dangerously.

To report an illegal or dangerously parked vehicle, or if you think your vehicle has been towed, phone Council on 07 3403 8888.

Parking issues

Understanding where vehicles are allowed to park can help you work out whether there is illegal parking in your area.

Blocked driveways

You must not park on or across a driveway or prevent access to a property. This restricts pedestrian access and can reduce visibility for other road users. This includes parking in your own driveway outside of the property boundary. 

Parking between driveways

You are responsible for making sure your vehicle fits in the available space. If a vehicle is parked across any section of a driveway on the road, contact Council and request enforcement. 

Street parking

Council allows street parking in most local streets. When parking, you must adhere to the Queensland Road Rules.

If a car is parked across a driveway, on a yellow line, or is not parked according to the Queensland's Road Rules, contact Council to request enforcement.

Parking on narrow streets

Motorists can park on both sides of the road but they must leave at least three metres of clear roadway between their vehicle and other parked vehicles, dividing strips, traffic islands or unbroken dividing lines. This will allow large vehicles, such as waste collection vehicles, to access local streets.

If vehicles are preventing access or traffic flow, contact Council immediately on (07) 3403 8888 to report the problem.

Narrow parking signage trial

Council is currently trialling two different types of signage to encourage drivers to leave space when parking on a narrow street.

Have your say on which sign you believe is most effective

Restricting waste collection

You must leave at least three metres of clear roadway beside your vehicle. This allows large vehicles, such as waste trucks, to access local streets. If a waste truck cannot access bins with the mechanical arm due to parked vehicles, bins will be emptied manually.

Find out more about Council's rubbish collections, including what to do if your bin is not collected.

Parking near intersections

You must not stop or park within 20 metres of a signalised intersection or 10 metres from a non-signalised intersection, unless otherwise signed.

At a T-intersection, you can park along the continuous road, unless otherwise signed or indicated.

If vehicles are regularly parking too close to the intersection, contact Council to request enforcement. 

Restricting pedestrian access

You must not park your vehicle across footways, footpaths and verges. This includes the portion of residential driveways that crosses footways, footpaths and verges.

Restricting traffic flow

Vehicles can restrict traffic flow in many ways. This may include parking on both sides of the road, or not allowing enough room between the car and other road objects.

You must leave at least three metres of clear roadway between your vehicle and other parked vehicles or dividing strips, traffic islands or unbroken dividing lines.

Some motorists park on the footpath to allow cars to pass. This is illegal and motorists may be issued with a warning or fine.

Traffic signs

No stopping signs, lines and clearways help traffic flow, ease congestion and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Always check signs, lines and parking zones before parking or requesting enforcement.

More information

For more information on residential parking:

Last updated: 1 July 2021