As a trailer owner, you need to know when and where to park your vehicle to avoid falling prey in the hands of the law. Every country and state has different laws regarding parking, knowing what your state of residence says about parking a trailer on a residential street will help you make a better choice. Therefore, can you park a trailer on a residential street?
You can park a trailer on a residential street if the laws of your state of residence permit it, but if the law does not permit it, then, you should not park the trailer on the street.
Can You Park a Trailer on a Residential Street?
The ability to park a trailer on a residential street depends on what the parking laws of your state of residence say about street parking. If they permit street parking, then you can park without being cited, but if the law does not permit it, parking will get you cited. You may end up paying a huge fine.
- Some state parking laws may permit you to park a trailer on a residential street while others may not.
- Some may permit you to park a trailer on a residential street for a specific period of time, while others may not.
- Some laws may permit a specified size of trailer to be parked on a residential street while others won’t.
- In some states, the local ordinance may allow a trailer to be parked on a residential street but must be available and willing to move when it snows to enable snow plows to do their job.
It all depends on what the parking laws say on your state of residence vehicle code or transportation code.
Factors that Determine the Parking of Trailers on a Residential Street
The factors that determine whether you are to park a trailer on a residential street are:
1. The Parking Laws of Your State of Residence
As reiterated, the parking laws of your state of residence or local ordinances are what tell you whether you’re to park your trailer on a residential street or not.
For example, in Austin Texas, you cannot leave a trailer of any kind on the street unattached from a motor vehicle. In the United States;
“It is unlawful for a driver, owner or operator of an oversized commercial vehicle to park or permit to be parked, stand or remain motionless on a public street in any area zoned residential under the comprehensive zoning ordinance or used for residential purposes unless the vehicle is being actively loaded or unloaded”
So, it is important to find out what your state of residence as well as your local ordinances about parking a trailer on a residential street before concluding.
2. The Size of the Trailer
The size of the Trailer is also a determinant of whether it will be parked on the residential street or not. Some states may allow trailers that are a certain size to park while those that are too large will not.
For example, utility trailers or smaller trailers may be subject to different rules than larger recreational vehicles (RVs) or commercial trailers.
3. How Long the Trailer will be Parked
How Long the trailer will be parked on a residential street determines if you’re to park it or not. In some states, you may not be allowed to park a trailer for more than 48 hours without moving it. This means that you must move the trailer within 48 hours of it being parked to avoid being cited.
In California, you may be allowed to park a trailer for 72 hours before you can be cited. Meaning that you need to move the vehicle within 72 hours.
This is because California Vehicle Code section 22651 states that “a law enforcement officer may remove a vehicle located within the jurisdiction if the vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal”.
Therefore, parking a trailer on a residential street for an extended period may be prohibited in some areas. Short-term parking, such as for loading or unloading, may be allowed, but leaving a trailer parked on the street for days or weeks might not be permitted.
4. What the Trailer is Parked For
The reason why the Trailer is parked is also a determinant of whether you will be allowed to park or not.
According to the United States parking laws, “it is illegal for a driver, owner, or operator of an oversized commercial vehicle to park or permit to be parked, stand, or remain motionless on a public street in any area zoned residential under the comprehensive zoning ordinance or used for residential purposes unless the vehicle is being actively loaded or unloaded”.
Therefore, peradventure the trailer is being loaded or unloaded while parked, you won’t be cited even if it’s parked for 48. But the truth is that a trailer may not be offloaded or loaded goods for 48 hours.
Again, this law may differ according to your state of residence and municipal. There might be an exception. You need to read the parking laws of your state of residence as well as your municipal to know what to do. I cannot tell you to park your trailer since I don’t know the state you are in.
5. Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) Rules
If you live in a community governed by a homeowners’ association, there may be additional rules and restrictions regarding parking trailers on residential streets. Check your HOA’s rules and guidelines to avoid going against the rules.
Can You Park a Trailer on a Residential Street in California?
Yes, you can park a trailer on a residential street in California for not more than 72 hours. The California Vehicle Code states that:
“Recreation and utility trailers that are not attached to a tow vehicle may be temporarily parked on a street or alley for any purpose, for a period not to exceed 72 hours pursuant to a permit issued by the Police Department. Each such permit shall be prominently displayed on the trailer”.
However, there are important facts you should know before parking a trailer on a residential street in California. They are:
- You should not park the trailer in or on any public right-of-way, including a street, sidewalk, or alleyway;
- In or on the front yard setback unless on an approved all-weather surface.
- It is unlawful for any person to park any trailer at any time on any street unless that trailer is attached to a motorized vehicle.
Furthermore, it is unlawful for any person to park any trailer on any street in California between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless the trailer is a moving trailer, and:
- The trailer is actually and continuously being loaded or unloaded
- The trailer is parked because its presence is related to, and assists with, the performance of a service to, or on, property located in the block where the trailer is parked.
However, the moving trailer may only remain parked for the period of time reasonably necessary to complete the service; or The City Manager or designee issued a permit in accordance with this section for overnight on-street parking and the parked trailer is fully complying with that permit.
Be that as it may, you need to verify this to be sure they are correct as laws and ordinances are subject to amendment. I suggest you call the Vehicle and motor department in your state of residence and inquire about them.
You can also call a non-emergency number and ask them about the parking laws regarding trailers on a residential street. They will give you the best answer you need to avoid getting ticketed.
How Long Can a Trailer Be Parked on a Residential Street?
Depending on the parking laws of your state of residence and local ordinances, a trailer may be allowed to park within 48 hours to 72 hours on a residential street after which it will be a violation of the law.
However, in some states, a trailer may park longer than the allowed time frame if it obtains a permit to park there.
For example, in California, you’re given 72 hours to park. If you wish to park more than that, then you need to get a permit from the city manager which you should prominently display on the trailer for law enforcement agencies to see.
Can You Park a Flatbed Trailer on the Street?
You can only park a flatbed trailer on the street if the parking law of your state of residence and your local ordinances permit you, otherwise, the vehicle will be towed by law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
You can park a trailer on a residential street if your local ordinances approve of it but you must not park the trailer the wrong way else you will be fined. However, if your local ordinances do not approve trailers to be parked on a residential street, then you should not park your trailer to avoid breaking the law.
It’s crucial to adhere to your local regulations to avoid potential fines or towing of your trailer. If you’re uncertain about the rules in your area, reach out to local authorities or consult your local ordinances. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on parking trailers on residential streets in your specific location.
