VW, BMW, Nissan and Vauxhall owners warned over £80 parking bay rules

Drivers who own some brands of motors have been warned they face £80 fines just for using parking bays.

Vehicles are increasing in size from years ago while parking spots aren't. It means that getting in your car into a bay can be a very tight squeeze for many motorists.

Supermarket car parks can be particularly hard to navigate in larger cars and with the release of the new 25 plate, experts are warning that drivers could face hefty fines if they end up taking up even part of a second bay.

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And motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com are have sounded an alert to drivers of newer and larger motors to avoid trying to squeeze in to parking bays that are too small.

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, reports Bristol Live.

And it means drivers with newer models must 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