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. 316.1945Stopping, 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:

  1. On a sidewalk.
  2. On a crosswalk.
  3. 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:

  1. In front of a public or private driveway.
  2. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
  3. Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

6. On an exclusive bicycle lane.

You can see all the other prohibitions here:

http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2014/316.1945

2 Comments on “Parking on Sidewalks

  1. 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?

  2. 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.

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