Oklahoma parking law: understanding the basics
The parking laws in Oklahoma are in place to help keep people safe and to ensure that traffic is able to flow properly. People who park incorrectly or in locations that are dangerous could cause serious issues, but many are simply ignorant of the rules of parking in the state. Let’s look at some of the rules you will need to follow. When you abide by the parking laws, you will keep yourself and other motorists safer, and you will have less of a risk of getting fines or getting your vehicle towed.
Understand the parking laws
It is illegal for drivers to park on sidewalks, on crosswalks, and within intersections. It is also illegal for you to block a public or private driveway. This is discourteous to other drivers who need to get into and out of the driveway. It is also dangerous and could prove to be an obstruction in the event of an emergency. You have to park at least 15 feet away from fire hydrants, and at least 20 feet from crosswalks at an intersection.
Always park at least 30 feet away from flashing beacons, stop signs, and traffic signals at the side of the road. You need to part at least 50 feet away from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. Those who will be parking on the same street as a fire station need to know how far away they need to park. If you will be parking on the same side of the road as the station’s driveway, you have to be at least 20 feet away. If you are parking on the opposite side of the street, you need to be at least 75 feet away from the entrance when there are signs present. If there are obstructions in the street, or there is street excavation or construction occurring, you cannot park alongside it or opposite it. If you were to park, there is a good chance that it would cause a backup in the traffic, and that is illegal.
Double parking is not allowed in Oklahoma either. This happens when a vehicle parks or stops on the roadway side of another vehicle that has already stopped. This will also slow down traffic, and it can be dangerous. In addition, it is illegal to park on any bridge or elevated structure such as an overpass on the highway. You cannot stop or park within an underpass either.
You should also watch for spaces and zones specifically for handicapped individuals. These zones and spaces will usually have signs, and they may be painted blue. The only people who are allowed to park in those areas legally will have placards or license plates. If you park without the legal right to do so, you can expect some very heavy fines.
Keep in mind that there could be some slight differences in the laws between different cities and communities. They will also have their own fine schedule, so the price of fines can differ from one jurisdiction to another for the same infraction. Keep an eye out for signs that indicate where and when you can park, and you should be able to reduce your risk.
