Drivers have been warned they could be slapped with a £1,000 fine for breaking a little-known Highway Code rule when parking at night.
Motorists can be at risk of breaching the Code if they park their car against the flow of traffic, which effectively makes the car invisible to oncoming vehicles that cannot see the vehicle's rear reflectors.
Drivers caught breaking the rule can be fined up to £1,000 for cars and up to £2,500 for larger vehicles, such as vans or minibuses.
Rule 248 states: "You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space."
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Drivers can be fined £1,000 for parking incorrectly at night on UK roads
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The Highway Code rule was introduced to help prevent accidents at night when visibility of the road is reduced.
Since car front headlights and indicators do not have the same reflective properties as the rear reflectors, experts have warned that this can cause a potential hazard to other road users, especially in poorly lit areas.
Mo Rafique, a vehicle security expert from Motor Guards UK, explained that many drivers "are shocked when they receive a fine for this".
He added: "They've likely been doing it for years without an issue, but as traffic enforcement becomes smarter, these lesser-known rules are being more strictly applied.
Drivers at night use rear reflectors on parked cars to catch the headlights, which makes cars more visible
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"The key to avoiding a fine is to take a few extra seconds to turn your car around before you park."
The expert detailed how the "seemingly innocent act" is a violation of the Highway Code, which could result in penalties.
"Drivers often think they're safe as long as they're not on a double yellow line, but this rule is about safety, not convenience," Mr Rafique said.
The Highway Code rule is also enforced by police, not just local councils, "which is why it's a criminal offence in some cases and carries a much higher penalty than a standard parking ticket," the expert warned.
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In some circumstances, a parking offence can be a Fixed Penalty Notice, which is issued by the police and could result in additional penalty points on a driving licence.
Experts from Admiral shared: "Not many people know this, but you can be fined for parking on the road at night if you're not facing the direction of the traffic – even though it's perfectly legal during the day.
"This is because the rear reflectors on the back of a car make it visible to oncoming drivers in the dark. The rule only applies when you're not parked in a designated area."
Other nighttime parking rules include stopping as close as possible to the roadside, not parking too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge and switching off the engine, headlights and fog lights at night.
Drivers have been warned that parking against the flow of traffic can breach Rule 248 of the Highway Code
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The Highway Code also requires drivers to apply the handbrake before leaving the car, as well as take extra care to look out for other road users when opening the door.
The code also details how passengers should exit the vehicle on the side next to the kerb. Drivers should also not leave valuables inside the vehicle overnight and avoid parking on dark streets, instead opting for well-lit streets.
The RAC explained: "Parking lights must be used on a road or layby on a highway with a speed limit higher than 30mph.
"Check your vehicle's handbook to find out how to operate them: often, they are engaged by clicking the indicator stalk either left or right as you leave the car, but some models have dedicated parking light buttons."