Rules of the road
Lesson 8 · Parking

How close can you park to a fire hydrant?

Short answer

In most states, no closer than 15 feet. Firefighters need to reach the hydrant quickly.

Watch it play out

How to do it

  1. Spot hydrants before you choose a space.
  2. Leave at least 15 feet, about one car length, on each side.
  3. Find another space if the gap is too short.
  4. Check for other no-parking rules nearby, like crosswalks and stop signs.

Why the rule works this way

Firefighters need room to connect hoses and maneuver trucks. A blocked hydrant can cost precious minutes.

Common mistakes

  • Parking close because the curb is not painted red.
  • Staying in the car and thinking that makes it legal.
State differencesMost states use 15 feet, but a few use less, such as 10 feet in New Jersey. Other common limits are 20 feet from a crosswalk and 30 feet from a stop sign, but these vary.
In VirginiaNo parking within 15 feet of a hydrant, 20 feet of an intersection, 50 feet of a railroad crossing, or 15 feet of a fire, ambulance or rescue station entrance. See all Virginia rules

Questions people ask

Where else can I not park?

Common spots: crosswalks, intersections, in front of driveways, near stop signs and railroad crossings, and on sidewalks.