Street parking rules

General street parking rules

The most common parking rules we do not post signs for

While we post "no parking" signs for many parking restrictions, there are some common parking rules that we do not post signs for. Because they're so common, it would be impractical to post signs everywhere the rules apply.

These common parking rules exist to protect the public, including other drivers and pedestrians.

Corner clearance

You may not park a vehicle within 20 feet of an intersection corner unless otherwise allowed by a parking meter or traffic sign.

Too close to a stop sign or traffic signal

You may not park a vehicle within 30 feet of the front side of a stop sign or traffic signal unless otherwise allowed by a parking meter or traffic sign.

Blocked driveway

You may not park a vehicle within 5 feet of a private road, driveway or alley.

Blocked fire hydrant

You may not stop, idle or park a vehicle within 10 feet of a fire hydrant unless:

It's the only way to avoid conflict with other traffic or
You're following the directions of a police officer or traffic control agent

Railroad crossing

You may not park a vehicle within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.

On a sidewalk

You may not stop, idle or park a vehicle on a sidewalk, sidewalk crossing or boulevard.

On a bridge

You may not stop, idle, or park a vehicle on a bridge.

10 tips to avoid a parking ticket

1. Watch for permanent and temporary parking signs

Parking restrictions increase as the demand for on-street parking increases. Every year we add new loading zones, no parking zones and rush hour zones.

We also post temporary no parking signs for:

Construction zones
Street cleaning
Street repairs
Emergencies
Tree trimming
Water or sewer line work
Special events

Signs without specific times posted are in effect 24 hours a day.

2. Read your parking meter

Don't forget to check the information on the parking meter before you pay. You could miss important information including:

The days and hours the meter is in effect
If there are rush hour parking restrictions
Temporary signs stating the time and date of any special events or construction that affect the use of the parking spot

3. Do not park at the corner of an intersection

We do not allow vehicles to park within 20 feet of the inside edge of the intersecting sidewalk. One parking space is roughly 20 feet, and a typical vehicle is 16 feet long.

This rule helps keep people safe by making sure pedestrians, cyclists and drivers have a clear view at intersections.

4. Do not park or idle at bus stops

Follow the signs that say where you cannot park so that buses can pull into their stops. If you block the unloading zone, Metro Transit drivers must unload or load passengers on the street. This is a potential hazard for all passengers and causes traffic problems.

5. Park safely at schools

Do not double park to pick up or drop off children at school. This puts kids at risk by making them cross a lane of traffic without being able to see or be seen by other drivers.

6. Use off-street parking

If you need to park for longer than the time limit of a meter or other time-limited parking, save the cost of a ticket and park at a lot or ramp.

The purpose of meters and time-limited parking is to keep on-street parking available in areas of high demand. Staying at a meter for longer than the time limit is a parking violation, and so is feeding the meter for extra time.

7. Know the difference between no parking and no stopping

No stopping zone
If you stop in a no stopping zone, you may be ticketed and towed. Once your vehicle is no longer moving with the flow of traffic, it's considered stopped, even if you're in the vehicle.

No parking zone
You may use a no parking zone (for example, passenger or loading zone) for up to 5 minutes to:

Load or unload goods
Pick up or drop off passengers

8. Respect residential parking restrictions

We have established many critical parking areas in neighborhoods with limited on-street parking. These areas are clearly posted for permit holder use only. Parking options are available for visitors and service people.

Different critical parking areas have different time and day restrictions. Make sure to check the posted signs. Parking Enforcement patrols these areas often to ensure residents have access to on-street parking in their neighborhood.

9. Pay attention to Warehouse District parking signs and meters

Pay special attention to the parking signs and meters in the Warehouse District. This area is in downtown Minneapolis and has parking restrictions such as:

Late night parking restrictions
Extended meter hours
No stopping zones (clearly signed)

If you're not sure of the rules, there are many off-street parking options in the area.

10. Know Snow Emergency rules

If it snows, get current parking information to avoid a ticket or tow.

Check out our "When it snows" information
Know and follow Snow Emergency parking rules
Call 612-348-SNOW

Always err on the side of caution! Ask yourself:

Have I parked too close to the corner?
What do these signs mean?
Am I blocking another vehicle?

If you’re not sure, find another spot.

Contact us

Parking Services

Phone

612-673-2886

Address

33 Ninth St. N., Room 100

Minneapolis, MN 55403

Office hours

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday