Street Parking Limits: Austin vs Nashville
How do street parking limits rules compare between Austin, TX and Nashville, TN?
Austin has fewer restrictions than Nashville.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Travis County has no general on-street parking ordinance for unincorporated county roads. Texas Transportation Code §545.301-545.305 governs where stopping, standing, and parking are prohibited statewide — within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of a stop sign. Subdivisions may impose stricter HOA rules.
View full Austin rules →Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Street parking in Nashville is governed by Metro Code Chapter 12.40. General parking is permitted unless posted otherwise, but many downtown and residential areas have timed restrictions, permit zones, or paid parking. Standard fine is $50.
View full Nashville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | TX Transp. Code 545.301 | - |
| Hydrant | 15 ft clearance | - |
| County Rule | None general | - |
| Max Fine | $200 state | - |
| Code | - | Metro Code Ch. 12.40 |
| Standard Fine | - | $50 per citation |
| Residential Permit Zones | - | Germantown, East Nashville, 12 South, and others |
| Prohibited Locations | - | Within 30 ft of traffic controls; bike lanes; fire station driveways |
| Abandoned Vehicle | - | Tow after 48 hours on public street (TCA §55-16-103) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Can I park overnight on a Travis County road?
Yes on most unincorporated roads unless posted or within an HOA with contrary rules.
Who enforces this in Travis County?
Travis County code enforcement at (512) 854-4260 handles most complaints.
Nashville FAQ
How long can I park on the street in Nashville?
Street parking in Nashville is governed by Metro Code Chapter 12.40. General parking is permitted unless posted otherwise, but many downtown and residential areas have timed restrictions, permit zones, or paid parking. Standard fine is $50.
Are there overnight street parking restrictions in Nashville?
Code: Metro Code Ch. 12.40. Standard Fine: $50 per citation. Residential Permit Zones: Germantown, East Nashville, 12 South, and others. Prohibited Locations: Within 30 ft of traffic controls; bike lanes; fire station driveways.
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