Salem, OR Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Parallel parking gap
- No more than 12 in. from curb (SRC 102.035(b))
- Method of Parking fine
- $25.00 (SRC 102.135(a)(2)(B))
- Yellow/red curb ban
- $50.00 fine (SRC 102.040(b))
- Landscape strip ban
- $50.00 fine (SRC 102.040(c))
- Sign/marking violation
- $50.00 fine (SRC 102.040(d))
Summary
Salem requires a legally parked vehicle to be set with its brakes on, engine off, and wheels turned toward the curb on a grade, and to sit parallel within 12 inches of the curb facing the direction of traffic, under Salem Revised Code section 102.035. SRC 102.040 separately bars parking at curbs painted yellow or red, in a landscape strip, or contrary to any posted sign, each a $50.00 infraction.
(a)A vehicle which is parked without a licensed driver in the driver's seat thereof shall be parked with the brakes effectively set; the engine off; the keys removed from the ignition and the ignition system left in such a condition that it cannot be readily activated without a key; and, when parked upon any perceptible grade, with the front wheel or wheels turned toward the nearest curb or edge of the roadway.(b)A vehicle which is parked in an unmarked or parallel parking zone shall be headed as though proceeding in the same direction as traffic in the traffic lane immediately adjacent to such parking zone, and shall be parked parallel to the curb or edge of the roadway with the tires on the side of the vehicle adjacent to the curb or edge no further than 12 inches into the roadway therefrom.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
035 sets the mechanics of a legal park: a driverless vehicle must have the brakes effectively set, the engine off, the keys removed from the ignition, and on a grade the wheels must turn toward the curb. In an unmarked or parallel zone, the vehicle must be headed as though proceeding in the same direction as traffic in the traffic lane immediately adjacent, meaning parking against the flow of traffic, or wrong-way parking, is not a legal park under this section, and the tires may sit no more than 12 inches from the curb.
040 then lists what curb space is off-limits outright: subsection (b) bars any vehicle at any place adjacent to a curb which has been painted yellow or red by the City; subsection (c) bars parking within the landscape strip between the curb and sidewalk; and subsection (d) bars parking contrary to any parking control device, meaning any posted sign, painted curb marking, or meter. The same section separately bars parking in a public alley except for a 30-minute loading stop, parking a vehicle for sale or repair in a parking zone, parking within a designated fire lane, and leaving any vehicle in the same spot more than five continuous days. 135(a)(2)(B). 130.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle parked against the direction of traffic, more than 12 inches from the curb, or without its brakes set violates the Method of Parking rule in SRC 102.035, a $25.00 infraction. Parking at a yellow or red curb, in a landscape strip, or against a posted sign under SRC 102.040 is Prohibited Parking, a separate $50.00 infraction under SRC 102.135.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to park against traffic in Salem?
Can I park in front of a yellow curb if there's space?
How far from the curb can I park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salem
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