What are the rules around angle parking?

Posted 3 December, 2025 John Pedler

When a parking sign says ‘angle parking’ or ‘angle’, drivers must park at the angle shown on the signpost or according to the lines marked on the road. But do other rules apply?

There are many places in South Australia where cars must be parked at an angle other than 90 degrees. It’s a convenient way to pull into the kerb and is particularly handy on narrow roads like Plane Tree Drive in Botanic Park, where 90-degree parking would be difficult.

However, there are specific rules that apply when angle parking.

• If the sign reads angle parking but doesn’t show the required angle, and there are no lines on the road, you must park at 45 degrees.
• If the required angle differs from 45 degrees, this will be shown on the sign, like Hutt Street’s 60-degree parks, or indicated by the line markings on the road.
• It’s illegal to reverse into an angled park (other than 90-degree parks) unless the signpost indicates otherwise.

Right angle

Reverse parking into a 90-degree, right-angle parking spot is legal unless signposted otherwise.

Some motorists, especially those in large vehicles, prefer reverse parking because they find it easier in tight spots, and it gives them a clearer view of approaching traffic when they’re leaving.

When reversing, drivers in vehicles with an extended rear overhang must be careful not to encroach on pedestrian walkways, or collide with kerbside infrastructure or other vehicles parked opposite.

Penalties

• Failure to follow angle parking rules could see the driver receive a $84 fine.
• Failure to park in the whole of a parking bay could cost you $63.

If the fine is issued by the police, a $105 Victims of Crime Levy also applies.

Some median strips have angle parking, such as Ayr Street, Jamestown and the western end of Anzac Highway near the Watermark Hotel. Specific rules apply for median strip parking.

• Entering or leaving a median strip parking area contrary to the sign, and failing to drive forward when entering or leaving a median strip parking area, both carry a fine of $144, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy.
• The fine for failing to give way when leaving a median strip parking area is $432, plus a $105 Victims of Crime levy and three demerit points.