Thurston County, WA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Driveway clearance
- 5 ft from curb radius
- Fire hydrant clearance
- 15 ft minimum
- Crosswalk clearance
- 20 ft minimum
- Arterial parking
- Parallel only, no angle parking
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county roads only
Summary
Thurston County bars stopping, standing, or parking in intersections, crosswalks, sidewalks, and within five feet of driveways or fifteen feet of fire hydrants on county roads outside incorporated cities.
Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device, no person shall: (a) Stop, stand or park a vehicle: ... (iii) Within an intersection, (iv) On a crosswalk... (b) Stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or passengers: (i) In front of a public or private driveway or within five feet of the end of the curb radius leading thereto.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 77).
Full Breakdown
County Code Section 12.61.395 lists exact no-parking zones for unincorporated Thurston County roads: intersections, crosswalks, sidewalks and planting strips, alongside street excavations, bridges, tunnels, and railroad tracks. Drivers also can't stop or stand in front of a driveway or within five feet of its curb radius, within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant, twenty feet of a crosswalk, or near fire stations, except to briefly load or unload passengers. On designated arterials, Section 12.61.400 further requires parallel parking only, right-hand wheels within twelve inches of the curb; angle parking is banned.
Violations & Fines
Stopping or parking in a prohibited zone is a traffic infraction under county code; vehicles left in violation can also be cited for obstructing traffic or emergency access lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park in front of someone's driveway in Thurston County?
How far must I park from a fire hydrant on a county road?
Is angle parking allowed on Thurston County arterial roads?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thurston County
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