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Prince William County, VA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
County Code § 13-320
Prohibited spots
14 listed, incl. sidewalks, hydrants, crosswalks
First-offense fine
Up to $100 (§ 13-335)
Late-payment penalty
Fine doubles after 30 days
Towing trigger
3+ unpaid citations (§ 13-344.1)

Summary

Prince William County lists 14 specific places where parking is always off-limits, from sidewalks and driveways to within 15 feet of a fire hydrant and more than two feet from the curb. County Code § 13-320 sets these baseline street-parking rules, backed by a $100 fine per offense and towing after repeat unpaid citations.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Prince William County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(a)No person shall park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device, in any of the following places:(1)On a sidewalk.(2)Within an intersection.(3)In front of a public or private driveway.(4)Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.(5)On a crosswalk...(12)On the roadway side of any vehicle parked at the edge or curb of a street or so as to leave more than two feet between the vehicle and the edge or curb, measured at the nearest point of the vehicle to the curb or edge...(14)At any place where official signs prohibit parking.(b)Law enforcement officers may move motor vehicles to any place they may deem expedient without regard to the provisions of this section, when in the performance of their lawful duties.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 46 Update 4).

Full Breakdown

' Subsection (b) lets officers relocate any vehicle without regard to these rules while performing their duties. 1(a). Drivers who want to fight a ticket must notify the chief of police in writing within 30 days under § 13-343, and § 13-345 gives the county a rebuttable presumption that the registered owner was the one who parked illegally.

Violations & Fines

A first offense under § 13-320 is a traffic infraction capped at a $100.00 fine per violation under § 13-335(a). Failing to pay an uncontested citation within 30 days doubles the fine under § 13-344(a), and once a vehicle has three or more unpaid or unsettled citations against it, the police department may have it towed to a county storage lot under § 13-344.1, with the owner responsible for the fines plus towing and storage costs before release.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close to a fire hydrant can I park in Prince William County?
Not within 15 feet under § 13-320(a)(4). The same section also bars parking within 15 feet of a fire station driveway (75 feet on the opposite side when properly signposted) and within 50 feet of a railroad grade crossing.
Can I park more than two feet from the curb?
No. Section 13-320(a)(12) prohibits leaving more than two feet between a parked vehicle and the edge or curb of the street, measured at the vehicle's nearest point, so pulling in at an angle or stopping far from the curb is itself a violation.
What happens if I don't pay a Prince William County parking ticket?
The fine doubles if it isn't paid within 30 calendar days under § 13-344(a). If a vehicle racks up three or more unpaid or unsettled citations, the police department can tow it to a county storage lot under § 13-344.1, and the owner must pay the fines plus towing and storage costs to get it back.
Can I contest a parking ticket instead of paying it?
Yes. Section 13-343 requires notifying the chief of police in writing within 30 days of receiving the citation; the case is then certified to the general district court, which dockets it for a hearing rather than treating it as an uncontested payment.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Prince William County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsRV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsAbandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsDriveway RulesSome RestrictionsLoading ZonesSome RestrictionsCommercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsPreferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant Restrictions

All Prince William County rules

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