DriveSmartBC

In light of a number of somewhat recent accidents involving vehicles (buses) rear-ending other vehicles (trucks) parked on the side of the road perhaps you could address the rules that apply to such parking. In addition I am curious about the flagging or flares required to warn drivers of these parked vehicles. This reader raises two good points of discussion because of the dangers involved.

When you are parking in an area that is not business or residential, you must not park on the roadway. This means that you must be entirely to the right of the solid white edge line, or off of the pavement if there is no solid white line painted at the right edge. Beware, because between the shoulder and the adjacent property lines is the boulevard, and one is not allowed to stop, stand or park on it either.

In a residential or business area, you are allowed to park on the roadway, but you must not obstruct the free movement of traffic by doing so.

When you do park, you must be on the right hand side of the highway with your right side wheels parallel to the curb or road edge, and must be no further than 30 cm away from the curb.

The vehicle must be locked or secured against theft when it is not occupied.

Municipalities are allowed to regulate parking through a bylaw, so there may be additions to these rules from the Motor Vehicle Act. Each municipality may also be slightly different, so one must check with bylaw enforcement for the area you are in to be sure.

Commercial vehicles over 2.3 meters in width must carry breakdown warning devices and place them behind the vehicle during the time that they are broken down on the highway. It is not necessary if the vehicle is not disabled. If these vehicles are parked legally, it concerns me that drivers are colliding with them. It is likely a good indication that they are not paying attention or staying in their lane.

References:

Where Parking Prohibited - Section 187 MVA
When Vehicle Stopping is Prohibited - Section 189 MVA
Manner of Parking - Section 190 MVA
Leaving Parked Vehicle - Section 191 MVA
Warning Devices - Section 207 MVA