Is a driver allowed to cross a solid line marking the boundaries of parking spaces for vehicles?

Explanation

Permitted.

The picture shows solid white lines in the shape of the letter "T" separating parking spaces from one another. Crossing these lines is not prohibited; if it were, it would be impossible to get into a parking space at all.

The main point of this question is the breaking of a mental habit: "a solid line means no crossing" applies only to lines that separate traffic flows, define the boundaries of traffic lanes, or mark the edge of the carriageway. Parking-space markings have a different function: merely organising space and showing where and in what orientation each car should stand.

The safety reason is the reverse of the first case too. In a parking area speeds are low and there is no opposing flow for a line to separate you from. The real danger in that area is untidy parking, one car occupying two spaces, and doors opening suddenly in a tight space — and that is exactly what this marking prevents.

For the exam, identify the meaning of every line from its function, not from whether it is solid or broken. Wherever a line is the boundary of a parking space, crossing it is part of the act of parking itself.

• "Prohibited" comes from generalising the rule about the solid line that separates traffic lanes; if that generalisation were correct, entering any parking space would be impossible.

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