Rules & Fines of Fire Hydrant Parking Distance In Ontario?

Municipalities in Ontario earn millions of dollars each year through fire hydrant parking charges. Every year, many people pay fines because they’re in a hurry, or are so unobservant that they park too close to the fire hydrants. Therefore, drivers should pay attention to the rules of fire hydrant parking distance and follow accordingly. Here is everything you should know.

How close can you park to a fire hydrant in Ontario?

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So how far can you park from a fire hydrant? In fact, you can’t park within three meters of a fire hydrant in most Ontario municipalities without receiving a fine. There are a few other parking laws worth mentioning.

When attempting to extinguish a fire, the three-meter rule exists so that fire crews can see hydrants from the street and park as close as feasible to access the hydrants.

If you wish to avoid parking tickets, you should also avoid blocking fire routes.

Parking regulations differ by province and municipality, so be sure you know what the requirements are in your area. For example, in some jurisdictions, such as British Columbia, parking within five meters of a fire hydrant is prohibited.

It makes no difference if the hydrant is broken, if you’re coming to a halt, or if it’s painted a different color. Just do not park within 3 metres of a fire hydrant.

It also makes no difference what color the fire hydrant is. You still receive a ticket if you park too close to the hydrant.

Although firefighters do not intend to cause harm to your vehicle, it is possible. Vehicles’ windows have been damaged in order for the hose to approach the hydrant in the past. 

What happens if you park too close to a fire hydrant in Ontario?

The parking ticket will tell you how to pay your charge if you parked too close to a fire hydrant. If you have a valid reason and can prove it, you can challenge a violation in court under the Ontario Provincial Offenses Act. In most Ontario cities, you have 15 days to pay for your parking ticket. If you ignore the ticket, though, you will face additional consequences.

The fine for parking too close to the curb varies by location in Ontario, but it is usually $100. You can pay your fine in person at your local city hall or online through most municipalities.

If you see someone’s car is parked too close to the hydrant, you can dial the non-emergency phone number in your location. You should also inform the driver of an automobile that has been parked illegally. 

What to do if a fire hydrant is set back from the edge of the road?

Tickets given for parking near fire hydrants that are not exactly on the road’s side are common. Remember the fire hydrant in Toronto that we discussed earlier? Even though it’s more than 20 feet from the roadway, you’ll still get a ticket.

When you see a fire hydrant that is set back from the road, the rule of thumb is to park three meters from the hydrant’s closest point to the road.

What is the fine for parking too close to a fire hydrant in Toronto?

According to the Canadian Press, city hall in Toronto made millions of dollars from illegal parking near fire hydrants. Since 2008, the city has received about $24 million in fines from those who park too close to fire hydrants, according to the report.

When you get a ticket, it’s not important how far away the hydrant is from the curb. Cars parked too close to the famous fire hydrant at 393 University Ave have received nearly 3000 tickets. The fines amount to $289,620, which is higher than any other fire hydrant in Toronto.

Is it illegal to park across the street from the fire hydrant?

If there are signs, you cannot park in front of a fire hydrant, and you must not be within 3 meters of the hydrant. Roads are broad enough for you to park across the street from a fire hydrant in general. However, always double-check if parking is permitted before doing so.

Can my car get towed for parking in front of a fire hydrant?

The city may tow illegally parked vehicles, but not just for parking too close to a fire hydrant once or twice. Drivers with three unpaid tickets can have their vehicle towed if they receive another ticket within 120 days of their last violation, according to new laws enacted by the government. The only condition is that it can be any kind of traffic violation–not just one involving illegal parking near fire hydrants!

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Can a parking hydrant ticket affect my license?

No. Because it’s not a reportable infraction, it won’t affect your license. If you do not pay it, however, it may hinder your ability when you want to re-register your vehicle.

You will not incur any demerit points for a fire hydrant parking ticket because it is not a moving violation.

Will a parking ticket make my car insurance rates increase?

If you pay your parking ticket promptly, it’s unlikely that it will affect your insurance premiums. However, if you ignore the ticket or allow additional tickets to accumulate, your car insurance premiums may climb, as well as other financial penalties.

Tips to avoid a ticket for violation fire hydrant parking distance

The easiest way to avoid a ticket is to park away from a fire hydrant, but here are some additional considerations to bear in mind when parking in the city:

• You should not park within nine meters of a street corner or intersection.
• When parking downtown or in congested regions and neighborhoods, stick to the hourly limit (typically 2 hours).
• Prepare ahead of time! Before leaving, use GPS technology to find available public parking.
• Use public transportation wherever possible. You’ll need to find fewer parking spots if you drive less!
• If you’re in Toronto, avoid any “no standing” or “no stopping” zones.
• Look for signs that say “fire route,” “no parking,” or “rush hour restrictions” on the street.
• Always keep an eye out for fire hydrants… Particularly if they’re placed back from the curb.

That’s all about parking near fire hydrant! We hope that you can remember all the rules of fire hydrant parking distance in Ontario that we’ve compiled in this article and avoid violating them.