Know The Rules For Parking – Vancouver

Traveling around the country, and even around the province, is great, but it’s important to remember that different provinces, and different cities, have different parking bylaws. It’s also important to know the rules so you don’t end up with the extra expense of a parking ticket, or worse, a time-consuming trip to the impound lot.

Here are some of the things you need to know if you’re planning to visit Vancouver:

If a parking meter is broken, move on

Many people assume, or want to assume anyway, that if a parking meter is broken, they aren’t responsible for paying if they park there. Not only isn’t that the truth, but parking at a broken meter will actually get you a ticket.

The city asks residents to report broken meters to 311 and, while you may not want to take the time to do that, do take the time to find another spot to avoid the hassle of getting caught.

If you don’t live or work there, move on

The city also has a bylaw that prohibits parking in front of a residence or business for more than three hours – unless you live there or work there – daily between 8am and 6pm. Essentially, the rule is intended to ensure the homeowners, employees and customers have access to properties and eliminates the risk of commuters taking these prime spots for the day.

It’s important to know that this is a general bylaw and not necessarily something that will be indicated by signs.

 

Abandoned vehicles

The city is also authorized to ticket, tow and impound vehicles that appear to have been abandoned. Abandoned vehicles include those that are unlicensed, uninsured, without valid plates, damaged or in disrepair, or parked more than 14 days on a street other than where the vehicle’s registered owner lives.

Blocking access and visibility

While most people will be familiar with the bylaw that says you cannot block access to a fire hydrant, in Vancouver, there is a long list of conditions and rules by which drivers are not permitted to park their vehicles to avoid blocking access to property, or creating visibility issues.

Among the list, but only a very partial list, is: not parking more than 30cm from the edge of the roadway; parking not parallel with the curb unless otherwise marked; not parking in the direction that goes against the flow of traffic; and not parking within 1.5m on either side of a private driveway or garage entrance.

Signage

Vancouver has specific signage for many things including accessible parking; commercial loading zones and lanes; loading and passenger zones; metered parking; motorcycles; no stopping zones and no parking zones; school zones; time limit zones; and tour bus zones.

If you are unsure of any of these, you can find more specific information on the city’s website.

 

No idling

Vancouver also has a specific noise and emission bylaw that prohibits idling of a vehicle – running the engine with the vehicle not in motion – for more than three minutes, or while unattended and unlocked. There are exceptions to this rule that apply to specific vehicles and very specific situations.

Large vehicles and trailers

Larger vehicles, such as oversized limousines and moving vans, are permitted to park on streets for up to three hours, just like other vehicles, however, they are not permitted to park on streets between 10pm and 6pm (overnight). If you have a vehicle of a similar size, you may want to check the bylaw, and the specific descriptions of large vehicles, to see if your vehicle fits into this category. It is important to note that there are different regulations with respect to large vehicles parking next to a business, or beside a residence, park, school or church, so do your homework.

Yes, travel can be great, and touring with your own vehicle can offer many conveniences and benefits, just know the rules before you go.

This article has been presented to you as part of a service provided by Husky Towing