Overview of Motorcycle Parking Rules
The relationship between motorcycles and parking can be a complicated one. For the average driver, parking restrictions are generally pretty simple to abide by. However, for motorcyclists the concept of parking restrictions can change significantly based on the look of the machine. Even though parking restrictions can help, parking a motorcycle without breaking any laws can prove challenging in many cases. The laws vary significantly across states and cities with little consistency between jurisdictions, often leading to cases of confusion, unintentional violations, and fines.
Motorcycle parking laws are different than those applicable to non-motorcycle vehicles. This may be due in part to the fact that vehicles have evolved over the years and enforcement legislation hasn’t always kept up with changes. So, while you may be aware of the law as it applies to four-wheel vehicles, you may not be aware of how these laws differ when it comes to motorcycles. This is an important distinction to understand in order to avoid costly tickets.
In many states, motorcycles are exempt from many parking restrictions laid out in vehicle codes. This is because motorcycles make themselves readily accessible in places where cars can’t operate, creating opportunities for parking where it might otherwise be prohibited for four-wheel vehicles. Parking laws can also vary based on the physical characteristics of your motorcycle. These characteristics include things like its width , height, weight, and overall design. For example, a trike that meets the dimensional requirements of a classic motorcycle may not be legally classified as a motorcycle at all.
Unfortunately, the problem is further complicated by the fact that motorcycle registration and licensing is very decentralized. This means that even when certain laws are established on a statewide level, they may vary between different municipalities within a state. That means that violating the law in one area may be permitted in other areas of the state.
Motorcycle riders have many protections when it comes to how they park their vehicles. That being said, these protections can vary significantly from one local region to another, and many times motorcycle riders are unaware of the laws that apply near them. Failure to be aware of local motorcycle parking ordinances and regulations can lead to costly fines, loss of property, and additional consequences. By educating yourself on motorcycle parking laws in your local region, you can primarily safeguard yourself from the costly implications of violations. The information below is designed to inform you about the most common motorcycle parking ordinances, as well as the rules that apply in many areas of the country.
Permissible Motorcycle Parking Spots
Motorcycle-friendly parking spots are somewhat rare, at least compared to those available for cars. This is particularly true in crowded urban environments, where any available public parking is highly coveted, but motorcyclists fighting for a space aren’t always welcomed. So the question becomes: where can I legally park my motorcycle and how do I know where it’s safe to leave my bike alone?
Broadly speaking, the answer can be divided into two categories: public spaces and private spaces. The general rule of thumb, no matter what, is to read the signage carefully and obey whatever rules are posted. If you don’t, you can and most likely will receive a citation, whether or not what you did was reasonable under the circumstances, which is a fact that must be kept in mind from a legal perspective: what feels reasonable to you as you’re standing there on your own and what feels reasonable to the official who may carry a grudge over whatever is, well, subjective. In other words, the intent of the law is to make something that seemed "obvious" to you perfectly clear to everyone.
In some instances, the line can be a little blurry, even when you’re trying to do the right thing. For instance, when parking on city streets certain cities say that you cannot park in designated parking spaces or loading zones, even if there is no other traffic in sight. Other cities, such as Portland, Oregon, say, well, not so fast. In Portland, motorcycles may park in loading zones unless there are specific signs indicating otherwise. Other cities outright forbid motorcycles from parking in such spots.
When it comes to private lots or spaces, motorcycle parking is typically at a premium. If you’re staying in a hotel or condo or apartment building, it’s worth it to ask about dedicated motorcycle spaces, driving lanes, or parking lots. States that allow for free standing motorcycles to park without a rider (known in legal circles as a "static" motorcycle) often have more specific insurance provisions and requirements, which change from state to state and which usually must be documented. If you’re expected to leave your bike on the lane or in an area that runs along the side of the property or condo, chances are there is a related liability or risk management reason that residents, if not ordinary guests or others who enjoy the property, are barred from bringing a motorcycle near the premises.
In some cases, motorcycle parking may come with extra fees or costs for condo dwellers or commercial space renters. In commercial spaces this is somewhat rare, and while it is becoming more common among condos and homeowner association associations, a key note is that the fee or cost associated with motorcycle parking may only be refunded up to a maximum number of days or sometimes according to how long the space was actually occupied.
Commonly Violated Parking Rules and Fines
Like full-size vehicles, motorcyclists face a host of fines for failing to park their vehicle legally. The following is a list of some of the common parking violations and fines riders are likely to face.
Of course, one of the more common violations is the drivers failing to actually take advantage of the space in many public lots, where compact car and motorcycle parking is allowed. Many riders park their motorcycles in the spaces that are otherwise reserved for cars, and that can lead to a fine. Moreover, in addition to the risk of a fine issued through the municipal court, you are also at risk of having your bike damaged due to the failure of car drivers noticing that your motorcycle is parked in the space.
Bike riders should also be wary of blocking sidewalks and bike paths, especially along boardwalks, as that is another common offense. Finally, of course, even with parking privileges, riders should not block driveway or fire lanes.
Guidelines for Compliant Motorcycle Parking
When it comes to riding safely, parking a motorcycle properly is as important as any other safety precaution. In cities all across the U.S., bystanders and business owners may complain when motorcycles are parked in what they believe to be unlawful spots.
But in some cases, the rules about where you can park a motorcycle is more complex than the owner may believe. For this reason, the following tips for how to identify safe and lawful motorcycle parking spots may help you avoid a parking ticket or fine:
• Look for college or university staff wearing vests. In most cases, these individuals are not local law enforcement officers or even a part of the local law enforcement agency. Rather, they are typically employed directly by the university. Thus, they should have no power to enforce the local laws; only the ability to observe and report violations to the local law enforcement agency.
• Review the law before you park anywhere else. Under California Vehicle Code Section 22507.8, a local municipality has the right to choose whether it wants to enact laws regarding motorcycle parking. Even when it does so, however, it may not enforce these laws without providing you with proper notice. In order to enact motorcycle parking regulations, the local government must post many signs informing riders of these laws at the county limits. In these situations, if the local municipality does not post these signs, it does not have the right to enforce the law against you.
• Look for the "M" symbol. When a city officials enacts a motorcycle parking law, it must also indicate the motorcycle parking law by posting signs that look like a circle and feature a big red letter "M" in the center. If you don’t see this sign, the local government may not be authorized to enforce the motorcycle parking law against you.
Miscellaneous Exceptions
Exceptions and special considerations may be made for electric motorcycles, which often require a charging station. Parking permits may also come with limitations, as they are often time-specific. For instance, many suburbs will create zones that require permits from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.—when most residential areas are quiet and open parking is more disruptive. Off-street parking lots in entertainment districts may be required to provide free implicit parking for motorcycle patrons.
Some municipalities allow motorcycles to park in any space, even if it prevents access to the space next to it. However, while this practice is common among riders , it is technically illegal in many places.
Parking in a handicap space has become a huge problem in many cities, endangering people with disabilities by limiting their freedom of movement. It is important to know the laws and regulations surrounding handicap parking spaces, especially in relation to motorcycles.
Across the United States, the rules governing how motorcycles and scooters are parked are quite different. In some cities and countries, motorcycles can be legally parked on sidewalks. In most areas, the law states this should not be allowed.
New Jersey motorcycle riders cannot park in a bicycle rack, so it is important to know the laws of the city in which you live and intend to park.
Emerging Trends with Motorcycle Parking Regulations
As we look ahead, there are multiple factors that may influence the future of motorcycle parking regulations. Among them are a growing urban population, environmental concerns, and the growing acceptance of motorcycles as a viable form of motor transportation. Urbanization is a driving force behind many regulatory changes. As cities continue to grow, concerns about traffic congestion and the demand for more parking space become more pressing. Motorcycles, with their smaller physical footprint for parking, become a preferred option to alleviate such issues. Laws in the future may reflect a move to either mandate the creation of more reserved motorcycle parking spaces or provide incentives for businesses and communities to provide such spaces. Social and environmental responsibility is another area where regulations over motorcycles may shift. With the world becoming more conscious of pollution and fossil fuels, motorcycles that run on alternate forms of power such as electric batteries are being embraced by a new generation. The laws in some areas already favor electric motorcycles for parking. We may expect a continuation of this trend into the future, with regulations that promote the use of eco-friendly motorcycles. California has been promoting the use of "clean motorcycles" for a few years now. In California, certain zero-emission and plug-in hybrid motorcycles are able to access carpool lanes. Laws in the remaining states may consider the efficacy of such programs and offer benefits for the use of alternate power cycles. Using vehicles as a form of public transportation is not new; however, the acceptance of motorcycles as an alternative mode of mass transportation is. Some public transit systems have already begun to offer motorcycle-based options in other countries. Through zoning restrictions and other regulations, the United States may seek to encourage the use of motorcycles as an alternative form of motorized transportation.
Summary
In conclusion, the importance of understanding the specific motorcycle parking regulations in your locality cannot be understated. Although it may be tempting to find a quick parking spot when you pull up to your destination, make sure you are fully aware of all the rules and regulations that may be in place in the area you are parking in. Teaching yourself about the laws surrounding motorcycle parking will certainly help you avoid any potential fines , and will eliminate headaches when it comes time to park your bike. With so many wonderful places to ride, and new routes to explore, the last thing you want is a citation for parking outside a business just as you have arrived!