On-Street Parking means designated spaces where vehicles can be parked on a temporary basis, located on a public highway, street, avenue, parkway, or similar type of road. On-street parking spaces often provide direct access to residential, commercial, office, and other facilities.

While on-street parking is legal on public roads, there are rules that must be followed.  The State of Georgia requires that on any two-way road, all street parked cars must be parked with the right-side wheels parallel and within 12 inches of the curb. 

Do not park against the flow of traffic.  While it might seem safe when the car is parked, you would need to drive on the wrong side of the road to park.  The same applies when you pull out into head-on traffic.  This creates two potentially dangerous situations and sets up a scenario that is contrary to other drivers’ expectations.  Most things contrary to typical driving behavior or driver expectancy are unsafe.

Additionally, double parking is illegal in all circumstances.  Double parking is the term used for parking on the street side of any vehicle that’s stopped or parked at a curb.

Other violations include prohibitions against parking in the following areas:

• In a space on public or private property marked for vehicle parking for the handicapped unless you have the legal authorization and the plates or placards to prove it.
• Within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or sideline of a street or intersecting highway, except at alleys
• Within 20 feet of a fire station without signs. If they post signs, you are not allowed to park within 75 feet of the station.
• Between a safety zone for pedestrians and the adjacent curb or within 20 feet of the end of the safety zone
• On the sidewalk or within 20 feet of a crosswalk
• Within an intersection
• In a crosswalk
• In any tunnel
• On railroad tracks or within 50 feet of a railroad crossing unless you are loading or unloading
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 30 feet of a stop sign, traffic light, or flashing signal
• In a bus stop zone

• In front of a public or private driveway
• Near properly marked street construction

In addition to illegal parking, there are other things that should be done to ensure the safety of your parked vehicle as well as the surrounding community.

On limited-width feeder roads, cars should refrain from parking across from each other on opposite sides of the road.  (See image).  This is not only unsafe for pedestrians; it creates a bottleneck on the road that increases traffic conflict points.

Also, when cars are parked across from one another, the limited width of the road creates a safety hazard as it does not allow for the entrance and exit of school buses, sanitation trucks, construction vehicles, EMS and fire vehicles, or other larger vehicles into or away from the area.

If your car has mirrors that will push inwards, towards the driver’s window, always do this before leaving your vehicle. This will prevent your mirrors from becoming broken or dislodged due to being sideswiped by a passing driver.

Do not park your car on a street where no other cars seem to be parked. Even if there are no signs saying that you cannot park on the street, there may be a rule that the other drivers are aware of. If a street is completely devoid of parked cars, there is probably a reason why. Take the hint from other drivers and steer clear of it.  Street parking that seems too good to be true probably is.

Do not block other cars.  Leaving enough space ensures that everyone’s cars will stay free from dents and dings. If it doesn’t seem like drivers and passengers can move around freely once you park, find a different spot.

Don’t take up two spaces on the street. In residential areas where the parking spaces are limited and not marked, always park as close to the end of the open space as you can.  Often there is room for two cars between driveways.  If you park in the middle, you make it impossible for another car to park in that space.  

Remember, safety is of the utmost importance. Street parking can be dangerous to vehicle owners, bicyclists, scooters, and walkers.  Let’s all do our best to be safe and courteous. 

Source: City of Peachtree Corners