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Nashville, TN Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Fire hydrant clearance
15 feet minimum
Crosswalk clearance
30 feet minimum
Driveway parking
Prohibited, even briefly
Crosswalk violation fine
$50 citation
Parking direction
Must face with traffic

Summary

Metro Nashville bars stopping or parking on sidewalks, in intersections, or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, and bans standing in front of any driveway, even briefly, under the Metro Code's on-street parking rules.

2.Stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers:a.In front of a public or private driveway,b.Within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant,c.Within thirty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection,d.Within thirty feet upon the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway,e.Within twenty-five feet of the driveway to fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five feet of such entrance, when properly signposted,f.At any place where official signs prohibit standing,g.On any controlled-access highway,h.In the area between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers,i.In front of any postal mail drop or box,j.In any area designated "Residential Permit Parking Only" except for allowable time limit parking provided for vehicles without a residential parking permit;

Source: Metro Code Ch. 12.40 – MunicodeView 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 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 12.40.040 lists prohibited stopping and parking locations across Metro Nashville and Davidson County: sidewalks, intersections, crosswalks, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, within 30 feet of a crosswalk, and in front of any public or private driveway, even momentarily except to load or unload passengers. Section 12.40.030 separately requires vehicles to park parallel to the curb, headed in the direction of traffic, so parking against the flow of traffic, the wrong way, also violates Metro's parking rules. Public Works and Metro police enforce both sections.

Violations & Fines

Parking citation issued by Metro police or Public Works; blocking a marked crosswalk carries a specific fifty-dollar fine under Section 12.40.040.C, and vehicles left in violation may be towed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park in front of my neighbor's driveway in Nashville?
No. Metropolitan Code Section 12.40.040 bars standing or parking in front of any public or private driveway, even briefly, except to momentarily load or unload passengers.
Is parking against the flow of traffic illegal in Nashville?
Yes. Section 12.40.030 requires vehicles to park parallel to the curb and headed in the direction of traffic, so wrong-way parking violates Metro's rules.
How close can I park to a fire hydrant in Nashville?
No closer than 15 feet. Section 12.40.040.A.2.b bans standing or parking within fifteen feet of any fire hydrant countywide.

Sources & Official References

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