Lane County, OR Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Curb distance
- within 12 inches of the curb
- Alley parking limit
- 30 consecutive minutes for loading only
- Violation class
- Class D traffic violation
- Owner liability
- registered owner responsible unless car used without consent
- Exempt vehicles
- public works, USPS, disabled-permit vehicles
Summary
Lane County requires cars parked on unincorporated streets to face the direction of traffic and sit within 12 inches of the curb inside a single marked space. Violations are Class D traffic offenses, and county, state, mail and disabled-permit vehicles are exempt from the parking rules.
6.400.425 - Method of Parking. A. When parking spaces are designated on a street, no person shall park or stand a vehicle other than in the direction of the traffic flow and in such a manner that the front vehicle tire closest to the curb is located within twelve (12) inches of the curb and within a single marked space, unless the size or shape of the vehicle makes compliance impossible. E. Violation of this section is a Class D traffic violation. 6.400.430 - Prohibited Parking or Standing. In addition to the prohibitions of the Oregon Vehicle Code, no person shall park or stand a vehicle and no owner shall allow a vehicle to be parked or left standing: A. On a street in violation of a lawfully erected traffic control device... B. In an alley, except for a stop of not more than thirty (30) consecutive minutes for loading or unloading persons or material. C. On or near any public boat launch ramp in a manner that obstructs or impedes the use of the boat launch ramp... D. Violation of this section is a Class D traffic violation.
Full Breakdown
425 sets the basic parking method for county roads: when spaces are marked, you must park in the direction of traffic flow with the tire nearest the curb within 12 inches of it, and stay inside one marked space unless your vehicle's size makes that impossible. Motorcycles may park perpendicular to the roadway if they stay within a marked space and don't crowd neighboring vehicles. 430 layers on additional prohibitions beyond the state Vehicle Code: no parking against a posted traffic-control sign, no stopping in an alley for more than 30 consecutive minutes except to load or unload, and no parking near a public boat launch ramp in a way that blocks the ramp unless you're actively loading or unloading a watercraft.
435. S. 640 (the state disabled-parking permit statutes). 465 lets the county rely on vehicle registration alone to presume who the owner is in court. A vehicle parked close to a building where the fire department has been called must be moved immediately unless police or fire officers say otherwise.
Violations & Fines
Violating the method-of-parking rule (LC 6.400.425) or the prohibited-parking rule (LC 6.400.430) is a Class D traffic violation, cited under the county's traffic ordinance and processed like other Oregon traffic violations under ORS Chapter 153. The vehicle's registered owner is billed even if a friend or renter was driving, unless the owner can show the vehicle was used without consent. Vehicles towed and stored as hazardous under state law are impounded and disposed of under state law and county ordinance, and a tow does not stop a separate citation from also being issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to park facing the direction of traffic in unincorporated Lane County?
Can I stop in an alley to unload groceries?
Am I liable for a parking ticket if someone else was driving my car?
Are county trucks allowed to break these parking rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lane County
Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon parking rules overview
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