Port Townsend, WA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Street time limit
- Max 24 consecutive hours
- Also covers
- City-owned off-street lots
- Fine (paid ≤15 days)
- $15.00
- Fine (paid after 15 days)
- $30.00
- Enforcement
- Chief of police / impoundment
Summary
Port Townsend bans parking any vehicle on a street or public right-of-way for more than 24 consecutive hours, absent a shorter posted limit.
In the absence of other time limitation, it is unlawful for the owner, or other person in possession, of any vehicle to park or stand, or cause or permit to be parked or stood, such vehicle on any street or public right-of-way in the city for a period of more than 24 consecutive hours; and provided, that this section shall apply to city-owned off-street parking areas established as such.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3364, passed May 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
PTMC 10.04.200 makes it unlawful for an owner or possessor to park or leave parked a vehicle on any city street or public right-of-way, or in designated city-owned off-street lots, for more than 24 consecutive hours, unless a different posted time limit already applies to that spot. Drivers can't dodge a shorter posted limit by moving the car across the street within the same block (PTMC 10.04.170); the police chief enforces both rules and can post additional 'no parking' or limited-parking zones under PTMC 10.04.020.
Violations & Fines
Fixed penalty: $15 if paid within 15 days, $30 after 15 days (PTMC 10.04.205); vehicles left standing in violation of posted parking designations can also be impounded (PTMC 10.04.142).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my car on a Port Townsend street overnight?
Can I just move it across the street to reset the clock?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
How Port Townsend compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·Compare Port Townsend to another location·View the Washington parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.