BMW, Vauxhall, Nissan, Mazda and VW owners warned over £80 parking rule

Drivers are being warned they could face fines if their vehicles don’t fit properly within parking bays. Motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com are advising drivers with newer and larger vehicles to avoid parking in bays that are too small for their cars.

Over the years, cars have gradually increased in size, and with the release of the 25-plate this March, experts warn that some newer models may struggle to fit into standard parking bays – potentially leading to fines. According to the British Parking Association, on-street parking bays must be at least 180cm wide, but vehicles can legally be up to 250cm wide.

In fact, the average car is already wider than 180cm, and car sizes continue to grow by approximately 1cm every two years. For example, a BMW X5 and an Audi Q7 each measure 221cm wide, including mirrors, while a Vauxhall Insignia is 208cm and a Toyota Camry is 183cm.

This means that as cars get bigger, parking options are becoming more limited. Experts urge drivers with newer models to be mindful that they may not fit in all parking bays, and parking over the lines can result in fines. Many local councils issue fines of £40 for improper parking, with some rising to £80 if not paid within 14 days.

John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing company LeaseLoco.com said: “Cars have been getting increasingly larger over the years, and while some drivers prefer them, they may now be too big for Britain’s roads and parking spaces. The minimum width for an on-street parking bay is 180cm, yet many modern cars already exceed this, making parking more difficult.

“Some drivers may think they can slightly overlap the lines for a quick stop, but in some areas, this can result in fines of up to £80. Government regulations allow cars to be up to 250cm wide, yet most parking bays remain significantly smaller, creating a clear mismatch.

“This disparity is unfair to drivers who risk fines simply because their vehicles don’t fit within standard bays. If this trend continues, parking will become even more challenging, leaving more motorists struggling to avoid penalties.”

Width of top cars 2025: