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Norfolk, VA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 25-282(3), Norfolk Code
Zone creation fee
$50 under § 25-284
Citation fine
$50 flat fine, § 25.1-61
Delivery ID requirement
Company name, 3-inch letters
Late fine escalation
+$50 after 30 days unpaid
Tow trigger
3+ unpaid tickets, § 25.1-62

Summary

Norfolk marks curb loading zones under City Code § 25-282(3) to reserve curbside space exclusively for loading and unloading passengers, disabled riders, or merchandise. Drivers may stop only long enough to complete that task and must clear the space once the posted time limit or hours end. Anyone who wants a new zone created pays the city a $50 fee under § 25-284.

Curb loading zone. A curb loading zone is a zone exclusively set apart for the loading and unloading of passengers, the handicapped, or merchandise and materials. It may be designated as a passenger loading zone, handicapped loading zone or a merchandise loading zone in which event it shall be for the exclusive use indicated. It may be designated by the painting of the curb and/or by the erecting of a sign so indicating the time limit of such parking and the hours of the day in which such time limit is applicable. No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle for any purpose other than for the expeditious unloading and delivery or pickup and loading of passengers, the handicapped, or merchandise and materials in any place marked as a curb loading zone or for a length of time greater than the time limit indicated on such signs during hours when the provisions applicable to such zones are in effect; provided, however, that all delivery vehicles, other than regular delivery trucks, using such loading zones shall be identified by the owner's or company's name in letters three (3) inches high on both sides of the vehicle.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 166).

Full Breakdown

The city manager designates curb loading zones by painting the curb, posting a sign, or both, under § 25-282(3). A zone can be limited to one category, a passenger loading zone, a handicapped loading zone, or a merchandise loading zone, and once so marked it may be used only for that purpose. Signs post the applicable time limit and the hours of the day the restriction runs; outside those hours ordinary parking rules apply. The code allows a driver to stop temporarily in a marked zone only while actually loading or unloading passengers, disabled riders, or merchandise, and forbids parking there for any longer purpose or beyond the posted time limit.

Delivery vehicles other than regular company delivery trucks that use a curb loading zone must display the owner's or company's name in letters at least three inches high on both sides of the vehicle, so enforcement officers can confirm an actual delivery is underway. 00 fee to cover the designation and marking. The city manager also retains general authority under § 25-283 to designate and mark any of the zone classes listed in § 25-282, including loading zones, and once a zone is marked it is unlawful to park contrary to the sign. 1, which lists a specific dollar fine for a loading-zone citation and lets the parking ticket office pursue escalating penalties for unpaid tickets.

Violations & Fines

Chapter 25.1, § 25.1-61 sets a flat $50.00 fine for a 'No Parking, Loading Zone' citation, issued by police officers, the fire marshal, or other city-designated personnel. Fines increase by $50 if unpaid after 30 days, another $20 at 90 days, and a further $20 at 115 days when a DMV hold is initiated. A vehicle with three or more unpaid tickets can be towed or immobilized under § 25.1-62.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop briefly in a Norfolk loading zone to drop off a passenger?
Yes. Under § 25-282(3), the driver of a vehicle may stop temporarily in a marked curb loading zone while actually engaged in loading or unloading passengers, disabled riders, or merchandise. Once that task is finished, or the posted time limit or operating hours run out, the vehicle must move; staying longer or using the space for any other purpose draws a $50.00 citation under Chapter 25.1's fine schedule.
How much does it cost to get a new loading zone marked in Norfolk?
Section 25-284 charges a $50.00 fee to any person, association, firm, company or corporation, other than the city, the state, or the federal government, who requests that the city establish and mark a curb loading zone. The city manager still decides where the zone goes and how it is signed under §§ 25-282 and 25-283.
Do delivery trucks need any special marking to use a Norfolk loading zone?
Yes. Section 25-282(3) requires that delivery vehicles other than regular company delivery trucks display the owner's or company's name in letters at least three inches high on both sides of the vehicle while using a marked curb loading zone, so officers can verify an actual delivery is underway.

Sources & Official References

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