A restriction with specific exceptions
The stopping prohibitions apply to a deliberate stop on the roadway. You may have to stop to avoid a collision, obey a traffic officer or because of a cause beyond your control. These exceptions do not permit a convenient delivery, passenger collection or phone call in a prohibited place.
A stop can create danger even when it lasts only a few seconds. Before pulling over, consider sight distance and the path other traffic will need to take around the whole vehicle.
Bridges, tunnels and narrowing roadways
Do not stop where the road’s structure or width makes avoidance difficult.
- Do not stop in a tunnel or subway, on a bridge, or within 6 m of one.
- Do not stop on a narrowed portion of roadway, or within 6 m of the beginning or end of the narrowing.
- Do not stop alongside or opposite an excavation or obstruction if doing so would obstruct or endanger traffic.
- Do not stop alongside or opposite another vehicle where the roadway is less than 9 m wide.
Crossings, direction and danger
A lawful stop must also satisfy the general position and crossing rules.
- Do not stop contrary to a road sign.
- Do not stop on the right-hand side facing oncoming traffic.
- Do not stop within the railway reserve at a level crossing.
- Do not stop within 9 m on your approach side of a marked pedestrian crossing.
- Do not stop anywhere else that would endanger or obstruct traffic.
Worked situation
You are asked to drop a passenger 4 m beyond the end of a bridge. The passenger promises to get out quickly. The 6 m no-stopping zone still applies; find a lawful place farther away. If traffic ahead stops to avoid a collision, stopping in response is a different, necessary act.