Forsyth County, GA Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code of Ordinances § 38-50
- First offense
- Warning may be issued instead of towing
- Towing cost
- Borne by vehicle owner, paid before release
- Enforcement
- Fire marshal, designee, or law enforcement officer
- Civil penalty
- $100 per violation per day, § 38-53
Summary
Forsyth County marks fire lanes with signs and painted curbing, and parking or leaving an unattended vehicle in one is a violation under County Code section 38-50. The fire marshal or a law enforcement officer can have the vehicle towed at the owner's expense, though a first-time violator gets a warning instead.
(a)Fire lane means an area designated by the fire marshal or his designee which provides access to fire department connections and fire hydrants and provides access for fire department vehicles to buildings. This includes all alleys, including private alleys, private ways or driveways, where parking of motor vehicles or other obstructions can interfere with ingress or egress of fire department vehicles and equipment.(b)Whoever shall park or otherwise leave an unattended vehicle or other obstruction in a fire lane, so designated by signs and/or painted curbing or other marking indicating a fire lane, shall be guilty of a violation of this article. Any vehicle obstructing a fire lane in violation of this section may be removed at the direction of the fire marshal or his designee, or a law enforcement officer, the costs of removal and storage shall be borne by the owner of such vehicle and paid for him or her prior to the release of such vehicle. A warning may be issued for a first time violation of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 43).
Full Breakdown
Forsyth County Code of Ordinances section 38-50 defines a fire lane as any area the fire marshal designates to keep access open to fire hydrants, fire department connections and buildings, including alleys, private ways and driveways where parked vehicles could block fire apparatus. Where the county has posted signs, painted curbing, or other markings identifying a fire lane, parking there or leaving an unattended vehicle or other obstruction is a violation of Chapter 38, Article II. Enforcement runs through the fire marshal or his designee and through law enforcement officers, either of whom can direct that an obstructing vehicle be towed.
The owner bears the cost of removal and storage and must pay before the vehicle is released, on top of any citation. The code gives first-time violators a break: a warning may be issued instead of towing or a fine on the first offense, though repeat violations carry no such leniency. Physical specifications for what counts as a compliant fire lane, including the required painted curbing and signage, are set out in the county's Forsyth County Specifications for Fire Lane and Fire Protection Document, kept on file in the fire marshal's office rather than printed in the code itself. section 15-10-60.
Violations & Fines
The first time a vehicle blocks a marked fire lane, the code allows a warning instead of towing. Every vehicle left in a fire lane after that authorizes immediate towing at the owner's expense, plus storage fees due before release. Section 38-53 layers on a $100.00 civil penalty per violation and per day it continues, along with criminal prosecution under O.C.G.A. section 15-10-60.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Forsyth County tow my car from a painted fire lane?
Does Forsyth County give a warning for a first fire lane violation?
Who decides where fire lanes and painted curbing go in Forsyth County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
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