Fairfax County, VA Parking Rules: Preferential Parking Districts (2026)
Key Facts
- Petition threshold
- 60% of block-face addresses
- Decal validity
- up to two years
- Fine, improper display
- $75 per violation
- Fine, permit misuse
- $100 per violation
Summary
Fairfax County lets residents petition for Residential Permit Parking Districts that require a county decal to park on-street during posted hours, under Article 5A of the traffic code.
On-street parking during specified hours in any Residential Permit Parking District shall be permitted only upon display of a valid parking permit or pass on an RPPD allowable vehicle as defined in Section 82-5A-2; provided, however, that the parking limitations of this Article shall not apply to vehicles owned or leased by a public agency, or marked service or delivery vehicles which are being used to provide services or make deliveries to dwellings within the designated District.
In Residential Permit Parking Districts, the hours during which the regulations of this Article shall apply shall be as designated by the Board of Supervisors in adopting the District. (34-83-82; 3-85-82; 1-88-82; 31-00-82; 38-04-82; 6-06-82; 26-07-82; 44-08-82; 65-08-82; 05-10-82; 14-10-82; 02-11-82.)
Section 82-5A-10. - Administration. The provision of this Article shall be administered by the Department of Transportation with all permits only available to an RPPD allowable vehicle as defined in Section 82-5A-2 for an address location within the Residential Permit Parking District.
Full Breakdown
Article 5A authorizes Residential Permit Parking Districts (RPPDs) on local streets near high schools, rail stations or college campuses, or wherever 60% of block-face residents petition and a parking survey shows nonresident overflow. Once the Board of Supervisors approves a district, Section 82-5A-9 limits on-street parking during posted hours to vehicles displaying a valid RPPD decal or pass; public-agency and delivery vehicles are exempt. Decals cost $10 per petitioning address to establish and renew every two years through the Department of Transportation.
Violations & Fines
Parking without a valid decal during restricted hours draws a $75 fine per violation, rising to $100 for permit fraud or misuse; vehicles may also be towed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Fairfax County neighborhood get a permit parking district?
Can visitors park in a Fairfax County RPPD without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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