The #1 Statutory Trap: Stopping (Reg 305) vs Parking (Reg 306)
On the South African computerized DLTC learner's licence exam, candidates lose more marks on No Stopping vs No Parking distances than almost any other topic. Why? Because the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996) defines Stopping and Parking as two completely different legal actions:
- Stopping (Regulation 305): Bringing a vehicle to a standstill for any reason (including picking up or setting down passengers or loading goods), except to avoid an accident or obey a traffic sign/officer.
- Parking (Regulation 306): Keeping a vehicle stationary (whether occupied or unoccupied) for a period longer than is reasonably necessary for the actual loading or unloading of persons or goods.
Every place where Stopping is prohibited (Reg 305) is automatically also a No Parking zone. Drill all 62 statutory regulations on our Complete K53 Rules of the Road Encyclopedia and test yourself on our Free 64-Question Computerized Exam Simulator.
Master Comparison Table: Exact K53 Stopping & Parking Distances
| Exact Distance | Legal Category | Landmark / Road Feature | DLTC Exam Trap to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Metres | No Parking (Reg 306) | Either side of an official demarcated Bus Stop sign. | You may stop briefly inside the 12m zone to drop off a passenger if you do not obstruct a bus, but you may never park there. |
| 9 Metres | No Stopping & No Parking (Reg 305) | On the approaching side of a Pedestrian Crossing. | Applies strictly to the approaching side (within 9m before the crossing), unless stopping to yield to a pedestrian. |
| 6 Metres | No Stopping & No Parking (Reg 305) | From any Bridge, Tunnel, Subway, Road Constriction, or Railway Level Crossing. | Examiners often swap 6m and 9m in multiple-choice options: remember 9m = Pedestrian Crossing and 6m = Bridge / Tunnel / Constriction / Railway! |
| 5 Metres | No Parking (Reg 306) | From any Intersection Corner in an urban area. | Measured from the prolongation of the lateral boundary line (kerb line) of the intersecting road. |
| 1.5 Metres | No Parking (Reg 306) | On either side of a municipal Fire Hydrant. | One of the most frequent Code 2 exam questions: 1.5 metres on either side of a fire hydrant. |
| 1.0 Metre | No Parking (Reg 306) | Within 1 metre of the edge of a roadway outside an urban area. | Outside town, you must pull completely clear of the roadway and at least 1m beyond the road edge unless in a demarcated parking bay. |
Memory Shortcut (12 → 9 → 6 → 5 → 1.5 → 1):
• 12m = Bus Stop (Parking)
• 9m = Pedestrian Crossing (Stopping)
• 6m = Bridge, Tunnel, Subway, Constriction, Railway (Stopping)
• 5m = Urban Intersection Corner (Parking)
• 1.5m = Fire Hydrant (Parking)
• 1.0m = Rural Road Edge (Parking)
Additional Absolute Prohibitions (Zero-Metre Bans)
- Never Stop (Reg 305): Next to or opposite another vehicle where the remaining roadway is less than 5.5 metres wide; on a painted traffic island; alongside a no-overtaking barrier line (Marking RM3); or on any freeway except in a genuine breakdown or emergency.
- Never Park (Reg 306): In front of a private driveway/vehicle entrance; on a pavement/sidewalk; facing oncoming traffic on a two-way street; or in an urban street narrower than 5.5 metres (unless it is a one-way street).
Top 3 DLTC Computerized Exam Questions on Stopping & Parking
Question 1: Stopping Near a Tunnel, Bridge, or Subway
Under Regulation 305, you may not stop your vehicle within what distance of a bridge, tunnel, subway, or narrowed road constriction?
- A) 5 metres
- B) 6 metres
- C) 9 metres
- D) 12 metres
Correct Answer: B. Stopping is strictly prohibited on or within 6 metres of any bridge, tunnel, subway, or road constriction (whereas 9 metres applies to the approaching side of a pedestrian crossing).
Question 2: Parking Near a Fire Hydrant vs an Intersection
You may not park your vehicle in an urban area within ____ of a fire hydrant, or within ____ of an intersection:
- A) 1.5 metres; 5 metres
- B) 5 metres; 9 metres
- C) 1.5 metres; 6 metres
- D) 3 metres; 12 metres
Correct Answer: A. Regulation 306 prohibits parking within 1.5 metres on either side of a fire hydrant and within 5 metres of an urban intersection.
Question 3: Abandoned Vehicles on Public Roads (Reg 320)
A vehicle left stationary in the same spot on a public road is legally deemed abandoned and may be impounded after how long?
- A) 12 hours in an urban area; 48 hours outside an urban area.
- B) 24 hours in an urban area; 7 days outside an urban area.
- C) 48 hours on any public road.
- D) Immediately if unattended.
Correct Answer: B. Under Regulation 320, a vehicle standing for more than 24 hours inside an urban area (or 7 days outside an urban area) is deemed abandoned.