How close can you park to a fire hydrant in Texas?
You want to park along a Texas street curb. What is the minimum distance you must keep from a fire hydrant?
The answer
You may not stand or park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger.
The same section also bars standing or parking in front of a driveway, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, and within 30 feet of the approach to a flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign or traffic signal at the roadside.
Separately, you may not park within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing, except temporarily to load or unload.
Exceptions
- Momentary stops to pick up or let out a passenger are allowed.
- The section does not apply when avoiding a conflict with other traffic is necessary, or when following the law, a police officer's direction or an official traffic device.
Why this rule matters for safety
Firefighters need to reach the hydrant and connect hoses quickly. A parked car can slow or block them.
Official sources
- Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 545 (Operation and Movement of Vehicles) · Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes system)Sec. 545.302(b) and (f), stopping, standing or parking prohibited in certain places. The PDF shows no publication date.
Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the Texas agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.
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