Denver, CO Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Driveway/alley clearance
- 5 feet minimum from driveway or alley
- Hydrant clearance
- 10 feet minimum from fire hydrant
- Parking direction
- Must face direction of traffic flow
- One-way streets
- No parking on the left-hand side
- Enforcement
- Citation and towing under § 54-811
Summary
Denver bars parking within five feet of any driveway or alley, ten feet of a fire hydrant, in intersections and crosswalks, and requires cars to park headed with, not against, traffic: violators get ticketed or towed.
It shall be unlawful for any person to stop or allow a vehicle to stand except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device in any of the following places: ... (2) Within five (5) feet of, or in front of an alley or a public or private driveway; (3) Within an intersection; (4) Within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant; (5) On a crosswalk; (6) Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk or stop sign at an intersection;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 54-458 bans stopping or standing a vehicle within five feet of an alley or a public or private driveway, within an intersection, within ten feet of a fire hydrant, on a crosswalk, or within twenty feet of a crosswalk or stop sign. Section 54-435 separately requires vehicles to park parallel to the curb, headed in the direction of lawful traffic movement, with wheels within eighteen inches of the curb: parking facing oncoming traffic violates this rule. On one-way roadways, § 54-461 bars parking on the left-hand side. Violators are ticketed, and vehicles blocking driveways or travel lanes can be towed under § 54-811.
Violations & Fines
Parking citation issued on the spot; vehicles blocking driveways, hydrants, intersections, or parked against traffic can be towed under § 54-811 at owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park in front of my neighbor's driveway in Denver?
Is it illegal to park facing oncoming traffic in Denver?
What happens if my car is towed for blocking a driveway in Denver?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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