These three terms have specific legal meanings under Ghana's Road Traffic Regulations:
What Is Stopping?
Stopping means bringing your vehicle to a halt for a very short time due to traffic conditions or immediate necessity.
Examples of Stopping:
- Obeying a traffic light or stop sign
- Giving way to pedestrians at crossings
- Stopping because of traffic congestion
- Allowing passengers to quickly enter/exit
- Loading/unloading goods briefly (where permitted)
Key Characteristics:
- Driver usually remains in the vehicle
- Engine may remain running
- Temporary and unavoidable
- Typically less than 2-3 minutes
✅ Allowed: Generally permitted unless signs specifically prohibit it.
What Is Waiting?
Waiting means keeping your vehicle stationary for longer than stopping, but without leaving it unattended.
Examples of Waiting:
- Waiting for someone to come out of a shop
- Waiting to pick up passengers
- Waiting in a stationary queue
- Engine idling while waiting
- Brief errands where you stay nearby
Key Characteristics:
- Driver stays inside or very near the vehicle
- Engine may be on or off
- Can block traffic if done improperly
- Usually 2-10 minutes duration
⚠️ Restricted: Often restricted or prohibited in busy areas.
What Is Parking?
Parking means leaving your vehicle stationary and unattended for an extended period.
Examples of Parking:
- Leaving the vehicle and walking away
- Parking at home, work, or shopping
- Parking overnight
- Leaving vehicle for hours
- Vehicle left unattended with engine off
Key Characteristics:
- Driver leaves the vehicle unattended
- Engine is turned off
- Long-term road occupation
- Usually more than 10 minutes
- May require payment in designated areas
🚫 Controlled: Strictly controlled and often prohibited in busy areas.