The required distance to park from a fire hydrant varies by location, but generally:
- In most U.S. states, you must park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant to ensure emergency access
- Some states allow shorter distances:
- 10 feet in states like Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington D.C.
* Even shorter distances in a few states: Iowa (5 feet), Vermont (6 feet), Tennessee (7.5 feet depending on municipality), Rhode Island (8 feet)
- Texas specifically prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, with fines for violations
- In Canada, for example, Ontario requires parking at least 9 feet (3 meters) away, and Alberta requires 5 meters distance
These laws are in place to ensure firefighters have clear and immediate access to hydrants in emergencies, preventing delays that could endanger lives and property
. In summary, unless local laws specify otherwise, you should park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant. Always check local regulations as they can vary by state or municipality.
