Parking Violations
One of the most frequent calls we get in the Traffic Office deals with parking complaints. Illegal parking can cause serious issues, from blocking emergency vehicles, to creating hazards for pedestrians and other drivers.
Did you know that the Harford County Code has an entire section dedicated to parking regulations? Here are a few parking violations outlined in County Code section 244-17.1
- Parking within 30 feet of an intersection
- Blocking public or private driveways
- Parking on sidewalks or crosswalks
- Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
- Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
- Parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal
Violating any of these sections could lead to a $25 fine.
So, why is parking illegally a bad idea? Well, for starters when vehicles park illegally, they effectively remove a portion of the usable roadway, reducing the number of lanes available for moving traffic. This leads to bottlenecks and increased travel times for everyone. Not to mention the fact that parking in fire lanes or blocking access to fire hydrants can severely delay emergency responders, potentially having dire consequences in critical situations. Similarly, blocking access for ambulances or other emergency vehicles can endanger lives.
So remember, after completing your drive as safely as you can, be sure to find a safe and legal place to park.
Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org