A big part of the responsibility of driving is knowing where to park legally and safely. Mississippi drivers should take the time to understand the rules and laws of parking in the state and apply them. If they do not, it could mean fines, impounded vehicles, and more. There are a number of things to consider when parking.
Can you park on a highway?
When you are outside of business or residential districts, you need to park as far off the roadway as possible. You should try to leave at least 20 feet so that other vehicles have no trouble getting by and so it reduces the risk of an accident. You need to park the vehicle so it can be seen for at least 200 feet in each direction. If you were to park in a dangerous area, such as a blind curve, you could actually have your car towed and you could be arrested. If your vehicle breaks down, you will not be arrested for that, but you do need to make sure you move your vehicle as quickly as possible to reduce the risk for other motorists. If you have to park on the side of the road at night due to a breakdown, you need to keep your parking lights or flashers on.
Where is it unlawful to park?
There are a number of places where it is always illegal to park unless you are doing it to avoid an accident. It is not permitted to park on a sidewalk or inside of an intersection. You are not allowed to park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, and you cannot park on a crosswalk. Drivers in Mississippi are not allowed to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or within 30 feet of traffic control devices such as signals, stop signs, and yield signs. You have to be at least 15 feet away from the closest rail of a railroad crossing.
You cannot park within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station, or 75 feet if it is posted. Drivers can’t park in front of a public or a private driveway either. It is a hazard and it is an inconvenience for those who want to go into or out of the driveway.
If there is any type of obstruction in the road, you are not able to park in the area if your vehicle would cause the traffic to have to slow down. In addition, you cannot double park in Mississippi. Do not park on any bridge or elevated structure, or the highway underpass.
You can’t park in areas where there are signs that prohibit stopping either. It is always a good idea to look for signs in the area when you are going to park, as they can help you to determine whether it is safe and legal to park or not. Keep in mind that different towns and cities may have their own parking laws that you will want to learn as well.
