Parking on Sidewalks
Question
Steven asked: Is there any state law that prohibits parking on sidewalks. I live in Fort Lauderdale and it is public policy to allow residents to park on sidewalks. I asked at a city commission meeting for this policy to be changed, but my request has fallen on deaf ears.
Answer
The applicable statute is:
s. 316.1945 – Stopping, Standing, or Parking Prohibited in Specified Places
(1) Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device, no person shall:
(a) Stop, stand, or park a vehicle:
- On a sidewalk.
- On a crosswalk.
- On a bicycle path.
(b) Stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers:
- In front of a public or private driveway.
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
6. On an exclusive bicycle lane.
You can see all the other prohibitions here:
Wait a sec. Does (1)(a) mean that if you’re riding on a sidewalk or path, you have to pull off onto the grass to stop even for a quick drink of water?
Are you stopping or standing a vehicle on the sidewalk or bike path? If so, you may not be avoiding conflict with other traffic, but creating it, particularly on a busy downtown sidewalk or on a busy bike (shared-use) path.