Bowling Green, KY Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Bowling Green addresses loading and unloading in two ways. First, Kentucky state law treats active loading and unloading differently from parking: KRS 189.450 enumerates stopping, standing, and parking prohibitions on the public way (no stopping in an intersection, on a crosswalk, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, etc.), but a vehicle that is actively engaged in receiving or discharging passengers or goods is generally not treated as 'parked' for purposes of the standard parking restrictions during the active loading window. Second, the city's Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances authorizes the installation of signed loading-zone restrictions where business density or street geometry requires reserved curb space for commercial deliveries; signage follows MUTCD standards as referenced in the city's on-street parking guidelines. Downtown Bowling Green relies more heavily on its network of free public parking lots and garages - the 700-space Stadium Park Plaza structure at 360 E 8th Ave., the two Circus Square Park lots at 601 College St., and the Justice Center lots at 1034 Center St. and 324 E 10th Ave. - to absorb delivery and short-term loading traffic. Property owners and tenants planning regular loading operations on a private lot or in a private loading dock are governed by the city's Chapter 15 (Business and General Regulations) private-lot rules - most recently amended by Ordinance BG2026-3 (signage and fee limits for towing or immobilization from private parking lots) - and any towing from a private loading area must comply with the posted-signage and fee-cap requirements. The Bowling Green Police Department non-emergency line and the city's Report a Problem portal accept complaints about vehicles blocking signed loading zones.