Can You Park in a Bike Lane?

We all know we can’t park on footpaths, and we answered the question, can we park on the nature strip, in our April 2024 newsletter, but here we turn our attention to rules for parking in designated bike lanes.

If there is signage that explicitly permit parking next to the bike lane, then you can park there as long as you comply with any conditions stated on the parking sign.

But what about when there is no explicit signage? The answer varies by state, so let’s look at each state.

 VIC: Buses and commercial passenger  vehicles can stop in bike lanes to pick up or drop off passengers.

NSW: Similar to Vic. $320 fine for beaches.

QLD:  Drivers can park adjacent to bike lane unless there is signage that states otherwise, or their vehicle is too big and encroaches on the bike lane.

ACT:  Public transport eg buses, taxis, hire cars can stop in bike lane to pick up or drop off passengers.

SA:   Generally banned, but some bike lanes in SA only operate in peak periods specified on street signage.

TAS:   Generally no parking in bike lanes, but can drive up to 50m in bike lane to park or stop if permitted by signage.

WA:   Only if specifically permitted per signage.

NT:     As per WA above.