Single vs double yellow lines: the complete UK guide
Single and double yellow lines look almost identical, but the rules are very different. Here's everything UK drivers need to know.
Double yellow lines: no waiting at any time
Two solid yellow lines along the kerb mean waiting is prohibited 24/7, 365 days a year. There is no 'I was only there for five minutes' defence. You may stop briefly to drop off or pick up a passenger, and Blue Badge holders can park for up to three hours in most areas (always check local rules — the City of London and several London boroughs apply different limits).
Single yellow lines: check the time plate
A single yellow line means no waiting during the times shown on the small black-and-white time plate attached to the nearest post or wall. Outside those hours, you can normally park here unless another restriction applies. Loading and unloading is usually still allowed unless the kerb also has yellow dashes.
What the kerb marks mean
Short yellow dashes along the kerb add a loading restriction on top of the yellow line. One dash means no loading at any time; two dashes mean no loading during the times shown on a separate 'No Loading' plate. Many drivers don't realise this — yellow lines and kerb marks are two independent restrictions stacked together.
Common myths
There's no '10-minute grace' on double yellows. Engine running doesn't make it legal. 'It was only loading' isn't a defence unless you can show goods being actively moved. The car doesn't have to be fully on the line to count as 'on' it — a wheel touching is enough.