How Close Can You Park to a Fire Hydrant in Texas?
Finding a parking spot can sometimes be a challenge. You might think you see an open space, only to pull up and realize that there is a fire hydrant nearby. You may be wondering how close you can park to that fire hydrant without being in violation of the traffic laws.
According to Texas state law, drivers typically may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Violating this rule could result in a citation or a fine. Dive into all the details below to learn more about the reasons behind this rule as well as some potential exceptions.
Why Is There a Rule About Parking Near a Fire Hydrant?
Fire hydrants are strategically placed and extremely important in the event that a fire breaks out nearby. Firefighters need quick and easy access to the hydrant to start the flow of water and begin putting out the fire. A vehicle parked too close to the hydrant can block firetrucks’ access and hinder firefighters from performing their duties.
Not only are hydrants necessary for building and structure fires, but vehicle fires can occur after car accidents as well. If the firefighters are unable to access the hydrant, the vehicle fire could spread to a home or other nearby structures.
Exceptions to Texas Fire Hydrant Parking Rules
There are exceptions to the rule that prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, but they are few and narrow.
The only exception that allows you to park near a fire hydrant is “momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger.” The law does not define just how long “momentarily” is, but it likely means that you may only park there for a moment while a passenger gets in or out of the vehicle.
It is important to note that the law also states that drivers may not park an unoccupied or occupied vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. So, whether or not you remain in the car, you typically cannot park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant for longer than it takes to load or unload a passenger.
Penalties for Parking Too Close to a Fire Hydrant in Texas
If you decide to park near a fire hydrant despite the law against doing so, you will likely face a traffic citation and fine. The amount you may be fined varies by location. In Friendswood, you could see a fine of up to $200 for a municipal court traffic violation.
Beyond these traffic citations, blocking a fire hydrant could put you at risk for some civil liabilities. For instance, imagine that you park beside a fire hydrant, blocking access, so firefighters are unable to suppress a fire that starts in a nearby house. Because they have no access to water, the fire spreads to the home next door and causes significant damage and some injuries.
The victims in the second home may be able to sue the driver who parked near the fire hydrant for their damages. Were it not for the driver’s negligence in parking beside the hydrant, the fire would have been suppressed and not spread to the second home. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help assess your claim and determine who may be held liable.
Don’t Park Too Close to a Fire Hydrant in Friendswood, TX
While out and about in Friendswood, it is important to be mindful of where you park your car. Texas law generally prohibits you from parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant unless you are momentarily loading or unloading passengers, and you could be subject to a citation or a fine for breaking this law.
Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at (409) 207-9299 for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
