King County, WA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base penalty
- $20 traffic infraction per violation
- Driveway blocking
- Banned in alleys (14A.50.080)
- Minimum clearance
- 10 feet of roadway must stay open
- One-way roads
- No parking on left side unless signed
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated county roads only
Summary
Unincorporated King County bans parking that blocks a driveway, leaves less than 10 feet of roadway clear, or stops on the wrong side of a one-way road; each violation is a $20 traffic infraction.
In alley blocking driveway entrance. Except when necessary to avoid conflict with traffic or in compliance with the law or at the direction of a deputy or official traffic control device, it is unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park a vehicle within an alley in a position that blocks the driveway entrance to any abutting property. (Ord. 18743 § 25, 2018).
14A.50.090 Passenger loading zones. Except when necessary to avoid conflict with traffic or in compliance with the law or at the direction of deputy or official traffic control device, it is unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park a vehicle for any purpose or period other than for the expeditious loading or unloading of passengers in any place marked as a passenger loading zone during hours when the provisions applicable to the loading zone are effective, and then only for a maximum of three minutes. (Ord. 18743 § 26, 2018).
14A.50.100 Buses, taxicabs, for-hire vehicles.
Full Breakdown
Under King County Code Chapter 14A.50, it's unlawful to stop, stand or park a vehicle in an alley if it blocks the driveway entrance of an abutting property (14A.50.080), to leave less than ten feet of roadway open for traffic (14A.50.070), or to stand or park on the left-hand side of a one-way county road unless it's signed to allow it (14A.50.150). The rules apply on county roads in unincorporated King County only. Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton and other cities enforce their own parking codes.
Violations & Fines
Each violation is a traffic infraction carrying a $20 base penalty per K.C.C. 14A.50.180; ignoring the notice adds a $25 failure-to-respond penalty under 14A.50.190.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover parking in Seattle or Bellevue?
Can I block a driveway if I'm not in an alley?
What happens if I park facing the wrong way on a one-way road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.