Detroit, MI Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Curb clearance
- 12 inches, curb-side wheels
- Positioning
- Parallel to curb, correct side
- One-way streets
- Left side at left curb
- Enforcement
- Nuisance; ticketing and impoundment
Summary
Detroit requires vehicles parked on public streets to sit parallel to the curb, curb-side wheels within 12 inches, with the correct side of the car against the curb depending on street direction.
Unless otherwise ordered by signs, vehicles shall stop, stand or be parked parallel to the curb, and shall be placed so that the right side of the vehicle shall be adjacent to the curb, and neither right wheel shall be more than 12 inches from the curb, provided, that on one-way streets, the left side of the vehicle when parked at the left curb, shall be adjacent to the curb, and neither left wheel shall be more than 12 inches from the curb.(b)It shall be unlawful for an operator of a vehicle to drive forward into a parking space so as to interfere with the progress of a vehicle attempting to back into such parking space. (Code 1984, §§ 55-4-38, 55-6-19; Ord. No. 09-14, § 1(55-4-38), eff. 7-1-2014)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 46-4-18, a parked vehicle's right side must sit against the curb with neither right wheel more than 12 inches out, unless signs say otherwise; on one-way streets where parking is allowed at the left curb, the left side and left wheels follow the same 12-inch rule instead. Nosing a car in against that alignment, or parking facing oncoming traffic, violates the section. Under § 46-4-21, one non-commercial vehicle may also park in a residential driveway approach, perpendicular to the curb, if the curb-to-sidewalk gap exceeds 20 feet and doesn't overhang the curb or sidewalk.
Violations & Fines
Illegal on-street parking is declared a public nuisance under § 46-2-62; Detroit Police may ticket and, under § 46-2-63, impound the vehicle for a parking-regulation violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park facing oncoming traffic in Detroit?
Can I park in my own driveway apron overnight?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
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Street Parking Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle street parking limits.