How far can we park from the stop sign?
Introduction:
In parking regulations, precision is key. However, 'how close' or 'how far' you can park from a stop sign may create room for confusion. Both questions are about the same thing: the legal distance you need to keep from a sign.At one point, a rule required people to park at least 20 feet from stop signs. However, you might often notice cars parked much closer, The specific distance can vary from one location to another. Some countries have a 20 feet distance rule from the signpost, while others say 30 feet or more. Let's find out how far is right.
Who invented the stop sign?
Like every object has its history, traffic signs do too. The history of the Road or street sign is quite interesting and involves two key figures: Detroit Police Sergeant Harold "Harry" Jackson and William Phelps Eno.
When you search for the history of the Signpost (Also known as road sign) online, you'll find both names. William Phelps Eno is a significant figure in traffic management.
However, the specific road sign we use today, with its unique design and color, is mainly attributed to Harold "Harry" Jackson. In 1914, Jackson, working in Detroit, introduced stop signs to manage traffic at intersections with poor visibility. His work made the stop sign the standard traffic device we use now.
Parking, stopping, or standing, what’s the difference?
The law that includes parking near a Signpost is called “Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places – reserving portions of highway prohibited”. Check RCW 46.61.570. When we talk about issues requiring law and legal requirements they have specific terms defined with context, similarly the terms “stopping,” “standing,” and “parking” each have a specific meaning.- Stopping: A brief pause or putting a hold on your vehicle. Could be because of a traffic police signal to pick up or drop off passengers or to address an immediate situation.
- Standing: Leaving your vehicle stationary for longer than a moment. As if you are waiting so you put your car with it as well. Possibly for loading and unloading.
- Parking: When you stop your vehicle to leave it unoccupied, typically for a longer period.
Fast Fact: Stop Sign even received its own official emoji 🛑 (Octagonal Sign emoji) in 2016.
How far can we park from a stop sign?
Primarily, the legal parking distance depends on local regulations that specify the distance you need to park from the road sign. Here is a brief overview of distance rules in various countries:- Canada: The general parking rule is usually prohibited within 10 meters (about 33 feet). Check Government of Ontario - Traffic Regulations.
- United Kingdom: There is no specific distance mentioned. However, parking near signs. It is generally regulated under local traffic laws and can vary.
- Australia: The legal distance is within 10 meters (about 33 feet) See NSW road rules.
- New Zealand: The general rule is that parking is usually prohibited within 6 meters (about 20 feet) of a stop sign. For reference NZ Road Code.
As you can see there is a specified distance for parking near the signpost. And is not limited to signs alone. There is a law for each parking scenario. Let’s take an example of how traffic sign rules work in the United States, particularly Texas. See Texas Transportation Code Sec. 545.302. According to the code, you must adhere to these parking distances:
- The distance from a fire hydrant should be within 8 feet.
- The distance from a crosswalk should be within 20 feet.
- The distance from a driveway or across the street should be within 20 feet.
- The distance from a traffic light and stop sign should be 30 feet.
Parking Fines Across U.S. Major Cities
Did you know that fines account for 10 percent of the budget in 730 municipalities? Here is some data on parking fines, as shared by Investopedia in their 2022 update, highlighting three of the most expensive cities in America.- In San Francisco, there is $1,000 for blocking traffic without a permit, $108 for blocking a charging bay, and around $108 for Parking in a truck zone.
- The second most expensive city is New York. which will cost $115 for Parking where prohibited, $65 for Angled parking, and $165 if you park or Block a ramp.
- The Chicago comes on third. Where blocking a fire lane and parking in bike lane will cost you $150, and around $250 if you park or stop at a disabled zone.
