Parking Rules in Amarillo, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Amarillo or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Amarillo has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Abandoned Vehicles

Amarillo prohibits junked or inoperable vehicles from being stored on public or private property visible from a public street. Chapter 8-4 authorizes notice, hearing, and removal by the city at the owner's expense.

Key details: Governing chapter: Amarillo Code Ch. 8-4. State authority: TX Transportation Code Ch. 683. Admin fee for city removal: $75 plus removal costs. Max state fine: $200 misdemeanor.

Maintaining a junked vehicle is a Class C misdemeanor under state law, punishable by a fine up to $200; city removal costs plus a $75 administrative fee are assessed against the owner.

Overnight Parking

Amarillo restricts street parking in certain zones and limits how long vehicles may remain parked. Designated parking areas and time-limited zones are posted by traffic schedule. Overnight parking of large vehicles is restricted in residential areas.

Key details: Governing code: Ch. 16-3, Div. 3. Key section: § 16-3-369 Restrictions. Max continuous street parking: 72 hours. Enforcement: Amarillo Municipal Court.

Fines for parking violations typically range from $25 to $200 per citation depending on the violation. Vehicles may be towed at owner expense.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Amarillo restricts the parking of heavy commercial vehicles in residential areas. Large trucks, tractor-trailers, and heavy equipment should not be stored or parked overnight in residential zoning districts.

Key details: Heavy Vehicles: Restricted in residential zones. Work Trucks: Generally permitted for residents. Tractor-Trailers: Prohibited in residential areas. Enforcement: Code enforcement division.

Parking prohibited commercial vehicles in residential areas can result in code enforcement citations and fines.

Street Parking Limits

Amarillo regulates on-street parking through its traffic code. Vehicles must not be parked for more than 48–72 hours in one location. Parking restrictions are posted by signage in specific areas including downtown metered zones.

Key details: Maximum Duration: 48–72 hours without moving. Downtown: Metered parking zones. Fire Hydrant: 15-foot clearance required. Enforcement: Amarillo Police Department.

Parking violations result in citations and fines. Vehicles parked in violation for extended periods may be towed at the owner's expense.

RV & Boat Parking

Amarillo's zoning code restricts the parking and storage of RVs, boats, and trailers in residential areas. These vehicles should generally be stored behind the front building line and may not be occupied as living quarters.

Key details: Storage: Behind front building line. Street Parking: Limited by abandoned vehicle rules. Living In RV: Prohibited in residential zones. Enforcement: Code enforcement.

Zoning violations for improper RV/boat storage can result in code enforcement citations and daily fines until compliance.

Driveway Rules

Amarillo requires driveway approaches to meet city engineering standards. A permit is needed for new driveway curb cuts or modifications. Vehicles parked in driveways must not block sidewalks or extend into the public right-of-way.

Key details: Permit: Required for curb cuts. Width: 10–24 feet residential typical. Sidewalk: Must not be blocked by vehicles. Surfacing: Paved surface may be required by zoning.

Unpermitted driveway modifications can result in code enforcement action and requirements to restore the right-of-way.

The Bottom Line

Amarillo's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Amarillo is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Amarillo can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.