The sheer joy of finding an open parking spot can quickly be crippled by the sight of a fire hydrant—bummer! Unless you can create 15 feet of minimum distance between your vehicle and the fire hydrant, the spot is off-limits.

That said, parking rules can vary from city to city and there is room for one minor exception, so let’s get into the details!

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How close can you park to a fire hydrant?

In most cities, it is illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. This no parking zone is usually indicated by a red-painted curb rather than any sort of parking sign.

But municipalities often neglect to maintain the condition of the paint. So it’s important to remember that even when you don’t see red paint, the law still applies. A good rule of thumb is that if it feels too close, you’re probably too close.

Of course, eye-balling it is only so accurate. If you want to get technical about your parking space, you can keep a handy-dandy tape measure in your car.

Are there exceptions to the rule?

“But I was only parked there for one minute!” —it doesn’t matter. If a police officer spots your car violating the local parking regulations, you will find a parking ticket on your windshield.

That said, the law does vary by city. For example, in Seattle, you must park at least 15 feet away from any fire hydrant. In Minneapolis, however, the minimum distance required is just 10 feet.

If you're unfamiliar with the municipal code and signage does not explicitly state the rules about parked vehicles, it’s best to stick with 15 feet.

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Can you stop your car in front of a fire hydrant?

As long as you are in your vehicle and the engine is still running, it is generally OK to briefly stop in front of a fire hydrant. This nuance to the law assumes that you would quickly move if an immediate emergency is on hand.

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Penalties for a fire hydrant parking violation

If a police officer determines that you are parked too close to a fire hydrant (even if it’s only by a couple of inches), expect to receive a parking ticket that will include an $80 to$100 fine on average. The exact amount will depend on local parking laws.

But a parking ticket is the best-case scenario. In an emergency scenario, the fire department has the green light to smash your windows to run a hose through your vehicle from the hydrant to the fire truck.

You’ll probably be on the hook for the full bill to repair your vehicle’s windows. It’s unlikely that your car insurance will provide coverage due to your negligence and illegal parking.

Remember, too, that not all penalties are financial. Every second is vital as the fire department responds to an emergency. Parking in front of a hydrant could be an obstacle that makes the difference between someone surviving a fire and not.

Moral of the story—don’t be the reason why a non-emergency turns into a tragedy. Always park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant. No parking means no parking.

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