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Wilmington, DE Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Curb distance limit
within 12 inches of curb
Direction rule
headed with flow of traffic
Wrong-way fine
$40.00 civil penalty
Driveway blocking
tow to city pound
Motorcycle parking
perpendicular, rear wheel to curb

Summary

Wilmington requires vehicles parked on any street to sit parallel to the curb, headed in the direction of traffic, with curb-side wheels within 12 inches of the curb. Wrong-way and driveway-blocking parking each draw a civil penalty.

the driver of a vehicle shall not stop, stand or park such vehicle on any roadway other than parallel to the curb line of the roadway headed in the direction of traffic on the side of the street upon which it is parked, and with the curb-side wheels of the vehicle within 12 inches of the curb line... A driver found liable for a violation of this subsection shall be subject to and liable for a civil penalty in the amount of $40.00.

Source: Wilmington City Code Ch. 37, Art. VI – Street & ParkingView 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 72).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 37-221 bans parking against the flow of traffic or more than 12 inches from the curb on any Wilmington roadway; two-way streets require right-hand wheels to the right-hand curb. Separately, § 37-223(a)(7) bars parking in front of a driveway or garage entrance, and § 37-246 lets police or Licenses & Inspections tow vehicles blocking a driveway. Motorcycles must park perpendicular to the curb, rear wheel in.

Violations & Fines

Improper manner of parking (wrong side, wrong direction, more than 12 inches from curb) draws a $40.00 civil penalty per § 37-221(c). Blocking a driveway under § 37-223(a)(7) draws a Level 6 civil penalty, and the vehicle can be towed to the city pound under § 37-246.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park facing the wrong way on my side of a Wilmington street?
No. City Code § 37-221 requires vehicles to park headed in the direction of traffic, with the right-hand wheels within 12 inches of the right-hand curb on two-way streets. Violators face a $40.00 civil penalty.
What happens if I block a driveway in Wilmington?
It's unlawful under § 37-223(a)(7), punishable by a Level 6 civil penalty, and § 37-246 authorizes police or the city towing contractor to remove the vehicle to an official pound.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wilmington

Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsRV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsAbandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsTowing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsPreferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsEV ChargingSignificant RestrictionsCurb Color RulesSome RestrictionsLoading ZonesSome RestrictionsCommercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions

All Wilmington rules

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