Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Montgomery County, MD Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Driveway buffer
5 feet from curb edge
Wrong-way parking
Prohibited: must face traffic flow
Curb distance
Wheels within 12 inches of curb
Enforcement
Impoundment for hazardous/illegal parking

Summary

County law bars parking within 5 feet of a driveway opening and sets specific street-parking prohibitions, including parking against the flow of traffic.

City-specific rules exist: Gaithersburg, and Rockville have their own street parking limits rules that differ from Montgomery County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

The parking of vehicles at any time on the public ways of the county in such a manner that any part of the vehicle so parked is within five (5) feet of either curb edge of any existing opening or hereafter established entrance to any public or private driveways or shall overlap or obstruct any existing opening... is prohibited; except, that an owner may obstruct his own private residence driveway. ... a person must not... Stand or park a vehicle... (10) In a direction other than the flow of traffic.

Source: MC Code §31-16View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Montgomery County Code § 31-19 prohibits parking any part of a vehicle within five feet of either curb edge of a driveway opening, or overlapping/obstructing it, at any time on public ways: except an owner may block their own driveway. § 31-20 separately bars parking in a direction other than the flow of traffic, more than 12 inches from the curb, on sidewalks, in intersections, on crosswalks, and within posted no-parking zones, among other listed violations.

Violations & Fines

Ticketed by county police/parking enforcement; violating vehicles may be impounded under § 31-21, with towing, storage and administrative costs billed to the owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park in front of my own driveway in Montgomery County?
Yes, § 31-19 exempts an owner obstructing their own private residence driveway, but blocking a neighbor's or a public driveway within 5 feet is prohibited.
Is parking against traffic flow illegal here?
Yes. § 31-20(b)(10) prohibits standing or parking a vehicle in a direction other than the flow of traffic.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Montgomery County

All Montgomery County rules

Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland parking rules overview

Get notified when Street Parking Limits in Montgomery County, MD changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Street Parking Limits in Cities Across Montgomery County