Parking & Waiting
Where and how you stop your vehicle matters. Poor or illegal parking causes danger, blocks traffic, and can lead to fines or your vehicle being removed.
➡ For penalties and fines, see Penalties & Offences.
Legal Essentials
These are rules you must follow under the law:
- You must not park on a pedestrian crossing, junction, roundabout, or anywhere your vehicle obstructs other traffic [1] .
- You must not park where “No Parking” signs or road markings prohibit it [1] .
- You must not park on a sidewalk, verge, or in front of a driveway where you block access.
- You must switch off the engine, set the handbrake, and remove the key if leaving the vehicle unattended.
- If your vehicle is unlicensed or uninsured and left on a public road, police may impound it until valid documents and a release fee are provided [2] .
Good Practice
These are things you should do when parking or waiting:
- Park close to the kerb, facing the same direction as traffic.
- Leave enough space for other vehicles to pass, especially near bends or narrow roads.
- Avoid parking opposite driveways, near school gates, or in bus bays.
- If you must stop briefly, use hazard lights to warn others.
- At night on unlit roads, leave sidelights on if parked on the main carriageway.
Special Considerations
- Yellow kerb lines: A single yellow line may indicate no waiting during certain hours. A double yellow means no waiting at any time. Always check nearby signs.
- Disabled parking bays: Reserved for vehicles displaying a valid permit.
- Emergency access: Never stop where you block fire hydrants, entrances to hospitals, or other emergency facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to park on a pedestrian crossing in The Bahamas?
Yes. You must not park on a pedestrian crossing. Doing so obstructs pedestrians and is an offence under the Road Traffic Act.
Can I park in front of my own driveway?
No. You must not park in a way that blocks access to a driveway or obstructs other vehicles.
What happens if my car is unlicensed or uninsured but left on the road?
Police may impound the vehicle until you provide valid documents and pay the release fee.
Do yellow lines mean the same thing in The Bahamas as in other countries?
Yes. A single yellow line usually means no waiting during certain hours, and a double yellow line means no waiting at any time. Always check nearby signs for details.
What lights must I use if I park at night?
If you park on an unlit road at night, you should leave sidelights on to make your vehicle visible. This is good practice even if not legally required.