Charleston, SC Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)

Sec. 19-234(a) sets Charleston's baseline stopping rule: no one may stop, stand or park a vehicle except when necessary to avoid a traffic conflict, in compliance with a police officer's directions or a traffic-control device, or at a curb painted yellow, which functions as its own no-parking zone. Subsection (b) lets the city post signs restricting parking on specific blocks during specific hours and days, and subsection (c) bars parking in a marked fire lane once signs, curb paint or pavement markings give notice. Sec.

19-240 adds two more citywide rules: subsection (a) requires drivers to leave at least 10 feet of roadway width free for traffic when they stop, stand or park, and subsection (b) bars standing, stopping or parking in front of a public or private driveway, within three feet of either side of it, or across from it in a way that blocks entry or exit; a police or code enforcement officer must first confirm the vehicle is actually inhibiting the driveway before issuing a summons. C.

Code § 56-5-2510. Owners remain responsible for illegal parking by any vehicle registered in their name under Sec. 19-245, and an unoccupied, unattended vehicle found in violation may be removed and impounded by police at the owner's expense.