Street parking is tricky, especially in big cities. There’s not enough space, but a ton of rules to follow. Inadvertently, you end up with a parking ticket now and then. Besides careless mistakes, a lack of awareness about parking rules is a major cause. Let’s help you solve the problem, one rule at a time – starting with how close you can park to a stop sign.
It’s hard to miss a red octagonal STOP sign with white lettering and border – unless something obstructs it from your view. Severe weather, like heavy snowfall, is one of those obstructions, but a vehicle parked in front of the sign is not a seasonal issue. And that is why you’ll be ticketed and even towed for parking in front of a STOP sign. It is one of those traffic rules that all fifty states agree to with no qualms.
So, does that mean you cannot park near a STOP sign? What’s the safe distance? Find out right now. So first, let’s check out what the law says.
How Close Can You Park From a STOP Sign?
According to the Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC), it is illegal to stand or park a vehicle, whether it is occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge passengers… within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic-control signal which is located at the side of a roadway. You’ll also find a similar rule regarding parking near STOP signs in the Model Traffic Ordinance.
In simple terms, you cannot park within 30 feet of a STOP sign. And the rule extends to YIELD signs and traffic signals
Wondering what 30 feet looks like?
In most places, the safety zone is marked clearly. Look for a red/yellow curb or diagonal lines from the curb to the shoulder that indicate how much closer you can park to a STOP sign. You’ll be okay if you stay clear of the lines and the painted curb. STOP signs before intersections usually come with a NO Parking sign nearby. Now, if you don’t find any of these guides and warnings, here’s an easy trick to keep the 30-foot distance.
On average, cars are around 15 feet long. So, aim to leave a gap of about two car lengths from the nearest sign, and that’s how close you can park to a STOP sign.
Why Should You Not Park 30 Feet Away?
The basic purpose of a STOP sign is to warn drivers of an approaching crosswalk, intersection, or end of a traffic line. When you see a STOP sign, slow down and prepare to stop at the indicated point and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding safely.
A car parked in front of a STOP sign can block it from the view of approaching vehicles. If drivers fail to notice a STOP sign and do not follow the rule, the results could be dangerous. Running an intersection is a common cause of accidents and could lead to injury, loss of property, or even death. In addition, the vehicle blocking the STOP sign is liable for damages caused, depending on the local laws and police report.
Per the law, a car parked illegally near a STOP sign is ticketed and towed to an impound lot for causing a traffic hazard. Parking tickets for violating this rule will cost you between $30 and $300, depending on state law and the severity of the violation. Additionally, you’ll have to retrieve your impounded vehicle personally and pay the towing charges. Overall, paying a parking fine for illegal parking close to a STOP sign and retrieving your vehicle from the impound is a long, expensive process.
Skip the problems and risks of street parking by choosing an affordable garage or parking lot next time. You can find great parking deals in your city on Way.com.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
