Safe Parking
Sorry #TrafficTipTuesday fans, we missed this week. But the fault isn’t on Sgt. Eaton, he had it into us in time. So, without further adieu, here is #TrafficTipTHURSDAY:
Good morning and welcome to another fun filled edition of #traffictiptuesday. We typically spend a good deal of time talking about safe driving. But what about safe parking? While you are out trick or treating this weekend Harford County has some regulations you should know before you double park in an intersection while facing against traffic in front of a fire hydrant at the entrance of a fire department. Let’s get to it!
Sometimes, finding a safe spot to park your vehicle close to your destination can be a very stressful experience. Sometimes the parking space is too far away. Sometimes the space is too small for your vehicle, and in some cases, you may find the dreaded “NO PARKING” sign! (insert evil villain music here) Once you DO find that perfect space to suit all your parking needs, you will need to remember a few things. One of the biggest complaints we get here in the traffic office involves vehicles parked too close to an intersection. Harford County code prohibits people from parking within thirty (30) feet of an intersection. In fact, many of the Harford County Parking regulations involve specific distances. For example, when parking, you may not:
- Park a vehicle within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant.
- Park a vehicle within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
- Park a vehicle within thirty (30) feet on the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway.
- Park a vehicle within twenty (20) feet of the driveway or entrance to any fire station
One of the MANY functions of the Traffic Unit is to issue parking tickets. This includes all the offenses above plus a multitude of other parking violations. However, in some cases a parking ticket could be the LEAST of your worries. If you find your vehicle parked in front of a fire hydrant and the fire department has no other options, they have the authority to break your car windows to run their hoses to the blocked hydrant. Also, if you decide to block your neighbor’s driveway and they take exception, a quick call to the Sheriff’s Office could possibly lead to your vehicle being towed away. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I would want would be to come back with a huge trick-or-treat candy haul only to find that my car has been removed to a (quite expensive) tow facility.
I know that this is a lot of information to remember. Here is a link to the Harford County Code Parking regulations to help with that. Harford County Code Parking Regulations
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. 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
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram