Support us

ParkingUnited States

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United States. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United States

49. Parking

Parking means leaving a vehicle stationary at a place for a period of time rather than stopping only briefly because of traffic conditions or another immediate necessity. Many countries distinguish parking from a short stop made to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods, although the exact legal definition varies.

Parking may be permitted, restricted, reserved, time-limited or prohibited by traffic signs, road markings, parking zones and local regulations. Drivers must park without creating a danger or unnecessary obstruction and must comply with any conditions concerning payment, permits, vehicle categories or maximum parking duration.

Parking restriction sign during the COVID-19 pandemic. (United States)
Wikimedia.org • Russ Allison Loar • CC BY-SA
Are parking regulations the same throughout the United States?

No. Parking is regulated by state and local law. For example, New York City distinguishes no-parking, no-standing and no-stopping signs, each allowing different activities. Read every applicable sign rather than assuming a nationwide curb rule.

🔗 home4.nyc.gov • New York City Department of Transportation, parking restrictions

Does sitting in the car make parking legal at a restricted New York City kerb?

No. Under New York City rules, a no-parking sign does not permit waiting simply because the driver remains in the vehicle. Only the specifically permitted immediate passenger or loading activity may take place.

🔗 home4.nyc.gov • New York City Department of Transportation, parking restrictions

What does a white kerb mean in California?

Stop only for the time needed to pick up or drop off passengers.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, Driver Handbook, parking

What does a green kerb mean in California?

It permits time-limited parking. Read the sign or the limit painted on the kerb.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, Driver Handbook, parking

What may you do at a yellow kerb in California?

Load or unload passengers or freight within the posted time. Non-commercial drivers are usually required to remain with the vehicle.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, Driver Handbook, parking

1 United States 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Speed limit 5 Minimum speed 6 Advisory speed 7 Bike path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Tunnel 10 Bridge 11 Speed bump 12 Toll road 13 One-way traffic 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Road narrowing 22 Pedestrian crossing 23 Railway crossing 24 Mandatory direction 25 Turn prohibition 26 School area 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Pedestrian lights 42 Road markings 43 Bike box 44 Speed feedback 45 Driving licence 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Parallel parking 53 Park and ride 54 Kiss and ride 55 Disabled parking 56 Traffic management 57 Reversing 58 U-turn 59 Carpool 60 Detour 61 Uncontrolled crossroad 62 Ramp 63 Exit 64 Horse riding 65 Emergency exit 66 Runaway truck ramp 67 Oversize load 68 City limit 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Axle weight limit 72 Licence plate 73 Charging station 74 Flooding 75 Dip 76 Horse 77 Local traffic 78 Pedestrian 79 Cyclist 80 Motorcycle 81 Truck 82 Bus 83 Police 84 Ambulance 85 Police signals 86 Gravel road 87 Pothole 88 Median strip 89 Public property 90 Path 91 Particulates 92 Air pollution 93 Interchange 94 Rush hour 95 Filling station 96 Road code 97 Two-way traffic 98 Passing lane 99 Street gutter 100 Road debris ...