Community Policing Officer

In Namibia, where vehicles drive on the left side of the road, parking on the right-hand side is not allowed. 

This practice is a traffic violation, as drivers are expected to park on the left-hand side of the road to maintain safety and comply with regulations.

Parking facing oncoming traffic is dangerous due to several reasons. Firstly, it forces you to cross lanes of traffic when entering or exiting your parking spot, which increases the risk of collisions with oncoming vehicles, particularly in poor visibility conditions. 

Additionally, this can confuse other drivers due to your car’s reflectors appearing in the wrong direction, potentially leading to misjudgments about your intentions.

Moreover, when leaving your parking spot, you must pull out directly into oncoming traffic, which significantly increases the chance of a crash. 

Consequently, due to blind spots and misjudged distances, it can be harder to accurately assess oncoming traffic when pulling out of the parking spot.

 Furthermore, if you park facing oncoming traffic at night, your headlights can temporarily blind approaching drivers and could cause an accident.

The Road Traffic and Transport Act, Act 22 of 1999, stipulates that individuals found parking on the right-hand side of the roadway are liable to a fine of N$500.

When a vehicle is parked facing oncoming traffic, it can disrupt normal traffic flow patterns. This disruption might cause other drivers to make unexpected manoeuvres, increasing the likelihood of collisions. 

Park smart and safe! 

*For more information on traffic matters, reach out to us via our toll-free number at 061302302 or on the SMS line on 44 44.