Understanding the Term No Parking, Signs, and Applicable Rules

It is undeniable that over time, the roads are becoming increasingly congested with private vehicles. This is triggered by the rising number of vehicle ownership. 

The inadequate parking facilities ultimately lead to vehicles parking on the roadside. This often disrupts traffic order. 

It is no surprise that the government has designed regulations prohibiting parking in certain areas by placing no parking signs. As we know, the no parking sign is a symbol in the form of a large letter P that is crossed out with a red line. The letter P itself is an abbreviation for the word "parking". 

This means that if there is such a sign, no vehicle is allowed to park there. 

It should be noted that the rules and sanctions regarding parking on the roadside, shoulder of the road, part of the road, or using road space are already stipulated in local regulations and are referred to as Public Roadside Parking Areas. 

For example, the regulations outlined in the Governor's Regulation of the Special Capital Region of Jakarta Number 111 of 2010 concerning Public Parking in Government-Owned Locations, not arbitrary parking on the shoulder of the road.

According to the definition, Public Roadside Parking Areas are areas for parking vehicles using part of the road located on the left side according to the direction of traffic. Or parking areas for vehicles on part of the roadway, buildings, or parking lots in the Provincial Government environment.

Sanctions for Violating No Parking Rules 

The government has prohibited illegal parking in designated areas. In fact, the legislation has also been established. 

The DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency, for example, has established Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2014 concerning transportation, which prohibits arbitrary parking.

In the context of organizing transportation affairs in the region, the local government can take action against certain traffic and road transport violations by Civil Servant Investigators in the agency.

Actions are taken against users who violate. Here are the details:

1. Entering lanes or routes designated for mass public transport;
2. Parking vehicles in road space that is not a parking facility;
3. Misusing pedestrian facilities;
4. Violating regulations in traffic control areas;
5. Using private motor vehicles in areas designated as Car Free Days;
6. Waiting, picking up, and/or dropping off passengers of public motor vehicles not at designated stops;
7. Using motor vehicles in bicycle lanes;
8. Violating technical requirements and roadworthiness as well as safety aspects of public motor vehicles.

In general, the penalties for motor vehicles that stop or park not in designated facilities are as follows; 

1. Wheel locking of the vehicle.
2. Moving the vehicle by towing it to an official parking area or to a vehicle storage place provided by the local government; and/or
3. Removing the tire valve.
4. The removed tire valves are collected as evidence.
5. Violators can retrieve their valves by bringing a ticket from the police.

After exchanging the ticket for the valve, the transportation officer can install and pump the vehicle's tire again.

The impact of illegal parking on the roadway is the narrowing of traffic space, affecting the reduction of vehicle speed and causing congestion, which will harm many road users.

The sanctions imposed are also aimed at deterring violators who park arbitrarily. For instance, a maximum fine according to Law No. 22 of 2009 concerning Traffic and Road Transport, amounting to Rp. 500,000,- imposed by the police through a blue ticket, so the violator must pay the fine through Bank BRI.

Furthermore, the local government has the right to tow vehicles carried out by officers of the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency. This is in accordance with Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2012 concerning Parking, which states that vehicles parked on the roadway and disrupting traffic flow can be moved/towed, and the towing costs are the responsibility of the violator, the amount of which is stipulated in Regional Regulation No. 3 of 2012 concerning Regional Retribution, which is the cost of towing and storing vehicles towed for illegal parking amounting to Rp. 500,000,-/day/vehicle, with payment made directly to Bank DKI.

No Parking Areas 

For the comfort and safety of road users, the government has distributed certain areas with "No Parking" signs. For friends who are car users and are still confused about which areas apply this rule, here are 10 locations. 

1. In pedestrian areas or bike lanes.
2. Corners, shoulders, or bridges,
3. Near traffic lights or pedestrian crossings.
4. On main roads or fast-moving traffic lanes.
5. Facing or near other stopped vehicles across the street, thus narrowing the road space.
6. Facing the front of the car towards oncoming traffic.
7. 6 meters from intersections, or 9 meters from bus stops, unless in a damaged condition. Then stopping or parking 3 meters near fire hydrants or that may obstruct fire vehicles' access to hydrants.
8. Along slippery roads.
9. On overpasses, tunnels, or on the side of the road leading to overpasses or tunnels.
10. On the edge of grass or road shoulders.

These ten prohibited parking areas have been explained in the law. So what if in an emergency, such as a car suddenly breaking down in that area? 

It should be noted that in the second part of Law No. 22 of 2009 article 121, it is stated regarding parking allowed in emergency conditions. 

This article states that all motor vehicles that must park due to emergency conditions, the driver is required to install a warning triangle, hazard warning lights, or other signals. 

Parking Behind, Before, and After the Sign? 

This is often a question. Most people probably think that the rules from the sign only apply under the sign. So what if parking behind, before, or after the sign? 

Referring to the applicable regulations, this condition is also certainly not allowed, or friends could get fined. Whether stopping behind the sign, before, or after the sign is installed, it is still considered a violation.

A vehicle is said to be parked if the engine is off and the vehicle is left by the driver even for just a few meters or minutes. 

If there is a sign in the parking area, logically the no parking rule applies around the area until the next traffic sign is visible. 

However, friends are still allowed to stop in that area on the condition that the car engine remains on and the turn signal is activated as a signal. 

Thus is the complete discussion about no parking signs. Don't misinterpret this rule. 

Author: Dinno Baskoro