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

Section 12-47 of the Columbia Code of Ordinances sets the basic rule for on-street parking: vehicles must stand or park parallel to the edge of the roadway, headed in the direction of traffic, with curbside wheels within 18 inches of the curb, unless the block is marked for angle parking, in which case vehicles park at the posted angle, still headed with traffic. A related rule, section 12-48, separately bars parking in the strip between the curb line and the adjacent property line. Section 12-41 requires drivers to stop the engine, lock the ignition, and remove the key from any vehicle left unattended on a street, alley, or public lot, and police can ticket the registered owner if an officer finds keys left in an unattended car in violation.

The parking services division enforces these rules through the fine schedule set out under section 12-79: parking on the wrong side of the street draws a $25 citation, parking improperly is $25, blocking a driveway is $75, double parking is $50, and leaving keys in an unattended vehicle is $50, each with an additional $25 added if the fine goes unpaid for 30 and 60 days. Drivers may contest any citation by requesting a courtesy summons and a trial in municipal court instead of paying the bond amount, and under section 12-50 the registered owner of a vehicle is responsible for a parking violation even if someone else was driving or the vehicle was rented or leased to another person.