Is it Legal to Park on a Nature Strip?
According to the Australian Road Rules, that all states and territories generally observe, it is illegal to park on a nature strip.
However, it is up to local councils to decide if and how they will enforce this rule.
Section 197 of Australian Road Rules states “a driver must not stop on a bicycle path, footpath, shared path or dividing strip, or a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area.”.
What if you leave two wheels on the road and only have two wheels on the nature strip to help passing traffic on narrow streets? We understand councils with a strict approach to enforcement of the national rule may still issue fines even in these circumstances.
Fines vary by state and territory. For example, $50 in WA, about $600 in Vic, to $3,200 in ACT for disobeying a road rule.
There are exceptions to this general rule including:
A parking control sign allows parking on the nature strip.
Another law applies in this jurisdiction.
For example, some WA councils permit parking on nature strips as long as the motorist has permission from the property owner / occupant eg you park in front of your own premises. Tasmania allows similar rules for owner / occupiers to park on their own nature strip.
Therefore, you need to check with your local council on any exceptions and their approach / leniency in their policing of this rule.
