The general rule in most places in the United States is that you must park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant to ensure firefighters have adequate room to operate the hydrant and connect hoses in case of an emergency
. However, this distance can vary by state:
- Most states require 15 feet.
- Some states allow closer parking, such as Iowa (5 feet), Vermont (6 feet), Tennessee (7.5 feet), and Rhode Island (8 feet).
- Several states and the District of Columbia require 10 feet
In Canada, for example, Ontario requires parking at least 3 meters (about 9 feet) away from a fire hydrant, and Alberta requires 5 meters (about 16 feet)
. Violating these parking distances typically results in fines, and the restrictions exist to prevent blocking access to hydrants during emergencies
Summary:
- Most U.S. states: 15 feet minimum distance from fire hydrants.
- Exceptions: Some states have shorter minimum distances (5 to 10 feet).
- Canada: Around 9 to 16 feet depending on the province.
- Always check local laws for exact requirements.
This ensures fire crews can quickly access hydrants without obstruction