How close can you park to a fire hydrant in New York?
How far from a fire hydrant must you keep your parked vehicle in New York?
The answer
Keep at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant. The DMV manual says parking closer is allowed only if a licensed driver stays in the vehicle to move it in an emergency.
The DMV Driver's Manual lists parking distances: 15 feet from a fire hydrant, 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection, and 30 feet from a traffic light, STOP sign, or YIELD sign.
The manual lists the distance but does not state the reason; the practical purpose is to keep the hydrant clear for firefighters.
Exceptions
- Parking within 15 feet is allowed only when a licensed driver stays in the vehicle so it can be moved in an emergency.
Why this rule matters for safety
A parked car near a hydrant can slow firefighters from reaching and connecting to the water supply.
Official sources
- Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Parallel Parking · NYS Department of Motor VehiclesWhere parking is prohibited: fire hydrant 15 feet, with the licensed driver exception. Page shows no revision date. No penalty is given because the page read does not state one.
Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the New York agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.
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