How close can you park to a fire hydrant in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?
The answer
Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. Stay at least 10 feet back from the hydrant.
The state parking law, N.J.S.A. 39:4-138, lists places where parking is prohibited. Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant is one of them.
The same section also bars parking in an intersection, on a crosswalk, in front of a driveway, on a sidewalk, within 50 feet of a stop sign or railroad crossing, and on a bridge or in a tunnel. A town may set its own distances by ordinance within limits the law sets.
Exceptions
- Towns may set their own parking distances by ordinance, but not shorter than the limits the state law sets for crosswalks and school-zone stop signs. Check local signs.
Why this rule matters for safety
Firefighters need clear, quick access to the hydrant to get water to a fire.
A parked car in the way costs them time when every minute matters.
Official sources
- Amendments to R.S.39:4-138, P.L.2009, c.257 · New Jersey LegislatureParking prohibited within 10 feet of a fire hydrant and the other listed locations
Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the New Jersey agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.
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