Montgomery County, MD Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 31-14
- RV/trailer loading window
- 18 hours while actively loading
- Breakdown grace period
- 48 hours for mechanical failure
- Penalty
- Class B violation, $100-$150
- Enforcement
- Vehicle may be impounded
Summary
Montgomery County bars heavy commercial vehicles and buses from residential streets under County Code Section 31-14 unless loading, servicing an abutting property, or parked where both sides are zoned commercial or industrial; RVs and trailers get 18 hours to load or unload.
A person must not park any recreational vehicle or utility trailer on any public roadway except: (1) for up to 18 hours while actively engaged in loading or unloading passengers, merchandise or materials, or (2) for up to 48 hours if the vehicle is involuntarily parked because of mechanical failure or other emergency. A person must not park a heavy commercial vehicle or bus on any other public roadway unless it is: (1) a vehicle engaged in loading or unloading passengers, merchandise or materials;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code Section 31-14, a person may park a heavy commercial vehicle or bus on a public roadway only where both sides of the street abut commercially or industrially zoned property, or if the vehicle is actively loading or unloading passengers or merchandise, working on the abutting property, a scheduled bus stop, or disabled for up to 48 hours. Recreational vehicles and utility trailers may occupy a public roadway for up to 18 hours while actively loading or unloading. Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park enforce their own separate parking codes within their borders.
Violations & Fines
A Class B civil violation under County Code Section 1-19 and Section 31-51: $100 for a first offense, $150 for a repeat offense, plus towing and impoundment under Section 31-21 for illegally parked vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park a moving truck on my street to load furniture?
Do Rockville and Gaithersburg follow this same rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland parking rules overview
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