Charles County, MD Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- General fine
- $20 per violation
- Disability space fine
- $500 per violation
- Curb distance
- Within 12 inches, two-way street
- Hydrant clearance
- 15 feet minimum
- Enforcing agency
- Charles County Sheriff's Office
Summary
Charles County bans stopping, standing or parking in front of driveways, on sidewalks, within 20 feet of intersections, in fire lanes, or within 15 feet of a hydrant, and requires two-way street parking to sit within 12 inches of the curb, facing the right direction.
It shall be unlawful in Charles County for any person to: A. Stop, stand or park a vehicle. (1) In front of a public driveway; (2) On a sidewalk; (3) In an intersection or within 20 feet of an intersection radius... ...E. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a vehicle that is stopped or parked on a two-way roadway shall be stopped or parked parallel to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, with its right-hand wheels within 12 inches of that curb or edge of the roadway.
Full Breakdown
Section 287-8 of the Charles County Code lays out detailed on-street parking limits. Subsection A bans stopping, standing or parking in front of a public driveway, on a sidewalk, within an intersection or within 20 feet of an intersection radius, on a crosswalk, wherever signed as prohibited, in front of a disability curb ramp, on private property without permission, or on the travel portion of the roadway. Subsection B bars standing or parking at a signed fire lane, in front of a private driveway without the owner's consent, within 20 feet of a crosswalk, within 30 feet of a stop or yield sign, within 20 feet of a fire station driveway (75 feet on the opposite side if signed), on the roadway side of another parked vehicle, on a no-passing curve or hill, more than 12 inches from a one-way roadway's curb, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or within 10 feet of a driveway in a 30-mph-or-higher zone.
Subsection C bans parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing or on posted county, school board, or College of Southern Maryland property. Subsection D reserves handicapped spaces for vehicles bearing a valid disability plate or placard. Subsection E, added in 2019, requires a vehicle parked on a two-way roadway to sit parallel to and within 12 inches of the right-hand curb.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 287-8's parking rules is a misdemeanor under § 287-9: a $20 fine applies for each violation of the general stop/stand/park restrictions in § 287-8A, B, C, or E, while parking in a disability-reserved space under § 287-8D carries a $500 fine. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense, and the Sheriff's Office may impound vehicles left unattended in violation under § 287-10, billing the owner for towing and storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can I park to a fire hydrant in Charles County?
Can I block someone else's driveway briefly?
What is the fine for parking in a handicapped space without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charles County
Compare Charles County to another location·View the Maryland parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.