LegitParkUS street parking rules, in plain English
How far you have to park from a hydrant or stop sign, what the painted curb colors mean, and the rules drivers forget most. These are the common nationwide defaults — your city or state can differ, and the posted sign is always the legal authority.
🅿️ Check the rule for any address →Where you can't park (and how far back)
- 🚒Fire hydrant
No parking within 15 ft (10 ft in some states) of a hydrant. - 🚸Crosswalk & corner
No parking on a crosswalk or within ~20 ft of one at an intersection. - 🛑Stop sign & signal
No parking within ~30 ft of a stop sign, yield, or traffic light. - 🚗Driveways
Never block a driveway — public or private — even partially. - 🟥Painted curb
Red = no stopping. Yellow = active loading only. White = quick pick-up/drop-off. - 🚌Bus stop & transit
No parking in a marked bus stop, transit zone, or taxi stand. - 🚲Bike lane
No stopping or parking in a bike lane at any time. - ♿Accessible spaces
Never use a disabled space or block its access aisle/ramp without a valid placard. - ↔️Direction & distance
Park with traffic, within ~12 in of the curb; no double-parking. - 🚂Blocked zones
No parking on a sidewalk, in an intersection, on a bridge, or within 50 ft of a rail crossing.
💡 Distances are the common US defaults — many states use 15 ft from a hydrant and ~30 ft from a stop sign, but some differ. A painted curb or posted sign always overrides the default.
Parking rules FAQ
How far do you have to park from a fire hydrant?
Most US states require at least 15 feet — about one car length — from a fire hydrant; a few use 10 feet. The curb by a hydrant is often painted red. When unsure, leave a full car length and follow the posted sign or curb paint.
How far from a stop sign or traffic light can you park?
Typically about 30 feet from a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal, so you don't block sightlines. Some cities post the exact distance; the sign or painted curb is the final word.
What do painted curb colors mean?
Red = no stopping, standing, or parking. Yellow = active loading only (usually time-limited). White = brief passenger pick-up/drop-off. Green = short-term parking with a posted time limit. Blue = disabled/accessible parking, placard required. Colors vary slightly by city — the posted sign wins.
How far from a crosswalk or corner do you have to park?
Don't park on a crosswalk, and stay back roughly 20 feet from one at an intersection so drivers and pedestrians can see. Exact distances vary by state; check the sign or curb paint.
Can you park in a loading zone?
A loading zone (often a yellow or white curb) is for active loading and unloading only, usually with a short time limit posted on the sign. Leaving the car unattended or parking to run errands typically earns a ticket.
How far from a driveway can you park?
Never block a driveway — public or private — even partially; most cities ticket or tow for it. There's usually no minimum distance, just don't obstruct the driveway apron.
Check the exact rules for your block
General rules only get you so far — meters, street sweeping, and permit zones change block to block. LegitPark reads the real curb rules for any US address, free.
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