Texas Parking Laws

Quick Guide to Texas Parking Laws

How much will I receive for a Parking Ticket in Texas?

There are Texas parking laws regarding statewide prices for certain kinds of parking violations. Texas parking law prohibits fines from being unreasonable, but these fines can be quite heavy in certain places—especially if you receive a citation in a large metropolis area, business district, or state university facility. In order to obtain prices, research Texas parking laws in your specific city or university.

Specific Texas Parking Laws

All Texas parking law is listed under the state’s Transportation Code. Section 545.301 provides specific laws for parking outside of a business or residence district. Some of these laws are described below:

1. An operator may not leave a vehicle parked outside a business or residence district unless leaving the vehicle off the main traveled part of the highway is not practicable, the vehicle does not obstruct the roadway, and the vehicle is clearly visible for at least 200 feet.

2. This Texas parking law does not apply to a vehicle that is disabled, to certain vehicles transporting materials, and tow trucks.

Section 545.302 provides very specific Texas parking laws. Some of these laws are described below:

(a) An operator may not park a vehicle:

• on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street

• on a sidewalk

• in an intersection

• on a crosswalk

• between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet on the curb opposite of the safety zone

• alongside or opposite a street excavation or if the parked vehicle would obstruct traffic

• on a bridge or in a tunnel

• on a railroad track

• where an official sign or other Texas parking law prohibits parking

(b) Under Texas parking laws, a person cannot temporarily park:

• in front of a public or private driveway

• within 15 feet of a fire hydrant

• within 20 feet of a crosswalk

• with 30 feet of a flashing signal

• within 20 feet of a driveway entrance

• with 50 feet of the nearest fail or railroad crossing

• where an official sign prohibits parking

Section 545.303 provides very specific Texas parking laws:

• a car must be parked parallel to a curb and be parked with 18 inches of the curb

• a local authority by ordinance or Texas parking law may permit angle parking

• the Texas Department of Transportation may place signs anywhere they believe parking may obstruct parking

There are a number of Texas parking laws that tell companies how they are allowed to remove an illegally parked vehicle. To find a similar Texas parking law, visit the official website of the Texas legislature.

How do I pay a ticket online?

Not all districts allow a person to pay a parking ticket online. However, larger metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas have a Ticket Payment System that allows a person to pay a parking ticket if they have the ticket number, offense date, and a valid credit card. You can do a quick search on the internet by searching for a ticket payment system in your local area.