Can I park on a pavement or a pedestrian crossing?
No. Parking on a pavement, a pedestrian crossing, a cycle lane, or within 5 metres before a crossing, is very obstructive parking (article R417-11 of the Highway Code). It's a 4th-class offence: a fixed €135 fine, no points lost, with possible impounding. Other situations count as merely 'obstructive' parking (€35): in front of a vehicle entrance, on a loading bay… Very obstructive parking mainly protects pedestrians, cyclists and people with reduced mobility.
📋 The rules
- Pavement, crossing, cycle lane: very obstructive (€135)
- Within 5 m before a pedestrian crossing: banned
- Very obstructive: 4th-class offence, no points lost
- Impounding and immobilisation possible
- 'Obstructive' parking (entrance, loading bay): €35
🔓 Exceptions
- Marked spaces allowing pavement parking (rare)
- Very brief stop to drop off a passenger: to be assessed (not parking)
- Disabled people: free parking on ordinary spaces (with a CMI card)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Very obstructive parking (pavement, crossing, cycle lane, disabled space) is a 4th-class offence: €135 (raised to €375), with no points lost, and possible impounding. Parking on a disabled space without a card is fined €135. Obstructive parking (2nd class) costs €35. Dangerous parking (bend exit, hill crest) is fined and costs 3 points.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Obstructive and very obstructive parking →
- Road safety · Stopping and parking →
- Légifrance · Article R417-11 of the Highway Code →
❓ Frequently asked
Can you park on a pavement?
No, except on a specially marked space. Parking on a pavement is very obstructive parking, fined €135 with no points lost and possible impounding. The pavement is for pedestrians.
What's the fine for parking on a crossing?
€135 (4th-class offence), like the pavement or cycle lane. Parking is also banned within 5 metres before a crossing, to keep crossing pedestrians visible.
Does obstructive parking lose points?
No. Obstructive (€35) and very obstructive (€135) parking don't lose points. By contrast, dangerous parking (bend exit, hill crest) does cost 3 points.
What's the difference between obstructive and very obstructive?
Obstructive parking (€35) covers e.g. a vehicle entrance or a loading bay. Very obstructive (€135) concerns pavements, crossings, cycle lanes and disabled spaces, more dangerous for vulnerable users.
Can my vehicle be impounded?
Yes. For very obstructive, dangerous or abusive parking, officers can order the vehicle's immobilisation and impounding, at your cost, on top of the fine. Better to respect the signs.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “pavement parking fine 135”
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- “cycle lane parking fine”
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- “impound obstructive parking”