Port Townsend, WA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Street time limit
- More than 24 consecutive hours is unlawful
- Also covers
- City-owned off-street parking areas
- Fine if paid within 15 days
- $15
- Fine after 15 days
- $30
- Enforcement
- Chief of police; impoundment under PTMC 10.04.142
Summary
Port Townsend bans parking or standing any vehicle on a street or public right-of-way for more than 24 consecutive hours under PTMC 10.04.200. The limit also covers city-owned off-street parking areas, and it gives way wherever another time limitation already applies.
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 is Port Townsend's default limit for leaving a vehicle on public property. It does not set overnight hours. It sets a duration: more than 24 consecutive hours is unlawful.
Who is responsible. The section applies to "the owner, or other person in possession" of the vehicle. It covers a person who parks or stands the vehicle and also a person who causes or permits it to be parked or stood. An owner who lets someone else leave the car on a Port Townsend street remains within the rule.
Where it applies. The limit covers any street or public right-of-way in the city. The section then extends to city-owned off-street parking areas "established as such," so a designated city lot is treated like the curb.
When a different limit controls. The section opens with the words "In the absence of other time limitation." Where a space already carries its own posted limit, that limit governs, and the 24-hour rule is the fallback for every other street space in Port Townsend. Under PTMC 10.04.020 the chief of police can post additional no parking or limited-parking zones.
Moving the car. PTMC 10.04.170 closes a common workaround for posted limits. A driver cannot dodge a shorter posted limit by moving the car across the street within the same block.
Overnight parking. Because PTMC 10.04.200 counts consecutive hours, parking overnight on an unposted Port Townsend street is allowed as long as the vehicle does not stay beyond 24 consecutive hours.
Enforcement. The chief of police enforces the 24-hour limit and the same-block rule.
Violations & Fines
PTMC 10.04.205 sets a fixed penalty of $15 if paid within 15 days and $30 after 15 days. Vehicles left standing in violation of posted parking designations can also be impounded under 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?
Does the 24-hour limit apply in city parking lots?
How much is the fine in Port Townsend?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
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