Vehicle owners are being alerted that they could be hit with penalties of up to £1,000 for leaving their car on the highway outside their residence as the clocks shift, due to a seldom-acknowledged road regulation.

Those unfamiliar with the Highway Code may not realise that rule 248 exists, which could result in fines for anyone leaving their automobile parked on the street near their property.

Highway Code Rule 248 states that parking on a road after dark with your vehicle facing the wrong direction is prohibited, unless using an official parking bay.

The reasoning behind this is that the front lamps and turn signals do not possess the same visibility characteristics as rear reflectors, creating a potential danger for other road users, particularly in areas with inadequate lighting.

The RAC has commented that while the Highway Code itself is not legislation, many of its provisions are actually legal obligations under the Roads Traffic Act, meaning breaches can lead to prosecution.

Drivers may receive financial penalties, driving licence points, a driving ban, or even a prison sentence for violations.

According to the Highway Code, when parking on the highway, drivers should avoid positioning their vehicle against the traffic direction, stop as near to the kerb as possible, and not park excessively close to a car bearing a Blue Badge.

Before exiting, the engine, lights and fog lamps must be turned off, and the handbrake must be applied. Drivers should check for approaching road users before opening their door, and passengers should leave the vehicle on the kerb side. Belongings should be hidden from view and the car secured.

The RAC also advises that parking lights must be activated on any road or lay-by with a speed limit exceeding 30mph. Vehicle owners should consult their handbook for instructions on activating these lights, which are often operated by moving the indicator stalk left or right upon leaving the vehicle, though some cars have specific buttons for this function.

Mo Rafique, a vehicle security specialist at Motor Guards UK, explained that many motorists believe they are protected as long as they avoid double yellow lines.

He emphasised that this regulation concerns safety rather than convenience. When a car is parked incorrectly at night, the rear reflectors that are designed to be illuminated by oncoming headlights become completely ineffective, creating what he described as an invisible danger.

Mr Rafique noted that numerous drivers are surprised to discover they have received a penalty for this offence.

They may have been parking this way for years without experiencing any problems, but as traffic enforcement becomes more sophisticated, these lesser-known regulations are being enforced more rigorously.

He advised that the simplest way to avoid a fine is to spend a few additional seconds repositioning the vehicle before leaving it stationary.