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Parking Rules

Parking Rules in Memphis, TN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Memphis or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Memphis has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Overnight Parking

Memphis generally allows overnight on-street parking in residential zones unless signs prohibit it. Downtown and certain Midtown blocks have metered or permit-only restrictions. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds and RVs over 25 feet face overnight limits in residential zones.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.memphistn.gov) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Memphis gives residents more flexibility on overnight parking.

EV Charging

Memphis permits private residential EV charger installation with a standard electrical permit. Multi-family and commercial chargers follow the adopted International Fire Code Chapter 12. MLGW administers EV rebates and off-peak rate options. No city-mandated EV-ready building code has been adopted.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.mlgw.com) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Memphis gives residents more flexibility on ev charging.

Driveway Rules

Memphis requires vehicles to park on paved or approved all-weather surfaces. Lawn parking in front yards is prohibited, and driveways must not obstruct the public sidewalk. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds are restricted in residential zones.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

RV & Boat Parking

RV parking in Memphis depends on zoning. Living in an RV requires properly zoned land. Street parking of RVs subject to municipal ordinances and size restrictions.

Key details: Street Parking: Subject to local ordinance. Residential: Zoning dependent. Living in RV: Requires proper zoning. Overnight Street: Generally prohibited.

Code compliance notice with correction period. Fines $50 to $500/day. HOA fines per CC&Rs.

Street Parking Limits

Memphis street parking regulations are set by the Memphis City Council under Title 11 of the Code of Ordinances. Residential parking rules vary by neighborhood. Downtown Memphis and certain districts have permit parking zones.

Key details: Code: Memphis Code Title 11 (Vehicles & Traffic). Residential: Permit zones in certain neighborhoods. State Law: TCA §55-8-160 general parking restrictions. Enforcement: Memphis Police / Parking Enforcement.

Overtime parking: $20 to $40 ticket. Hydrant violation: $50. Abandoned vehicle: towing plus storage fees ($150+ per day).

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Commercial vehicle parking in residential zones is regulated under Memphis Code Title 11 and the Memphis-Shelby County Unified Development Code. Large commercial trucks are generally restricted in residential areas. Delivery vehicles allowed for normal business operations.

Key details: Code: Memphis Code Title 11 / UDC. Residential: Large commercial vehicles generally restricted. State Law: TCA §55-8-160 general parking. Enforcement: Memphis Code Enforcement.

Parking citations $50 to $250. Repeat violations: increased fines. HOA fines per CC&Rs.

Abandoned Vehicles

Abandoned vehicles in Memphis are addressed in the Housing Code Article 9. A vehicle is abandoned when the owner has relinquished control, or when it is wrecked, partially dismantled, or inoperable for 10 days. State law TCA §55-16-103 (48 hrs on public property if illegally parked) also applies.

Key details: Definition: Inoperable/abandoned for 10+ days. State Law: TCA §55-16-103 (48 hrs illegally parked). Housing Code: Memphis Housing Code Article 9. Enforcement: Memphis Code Enforcement / Police.

Notice period typically 72 hours to 10 days. Towing and storage at owner expense ($150 to $500+). Additional fines for repeat violations.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Memphis gives residents more room on parking rules. 2 of the 7 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Memphis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.