Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road — Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1001 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1001LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, on any highway outside of a business district or a residential district, a person may not stop, park, or leave standing on the roadway any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, if it is practicable to stop, park, or leave the vehicle standing off the roadway.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, on any highway outside of a business district or a residential district, a person may not leave any vehicle standing, without providing an unobstructed width of the roadway opposite the standing vehicle for the free passage of other vehicles.
(c)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, on any highway outside of a business district or a residential district, a person may not stop any vehicle, unless it can be seen clearly from 200 feet away in each direction on the roadway.
(d)
This section does not apply to the driver of a vehicle that has become unintentionally so disabled while on the roadway that he cannot avoid stopping and temporarily leaving it there.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1003 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1003LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The provisions of this section apply except as necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or traffic control device.
(b)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in front of a public driveway.
(c)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on a sidewalk.
(d)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in an intersection.
(e)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on a crosswalk.
(f)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless the State Highway Administration or local authority indicates a different length by signs or markings.
(g)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle alongside or opposite any highway excavation or obstruction if to do so would obstruct traffic.
(h)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on any bridge or other elevated structure on a highway.
(i)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a highway tunnel.
(j)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle at any place where stopping is prohibited by an official sign.
(k)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on any entrance or exit ramp of any highway with two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction.
(l)
A person may not stand or park a vehicle in front of a private driveway without the consent of the owner or occupant of the premises.
(m)
A person may not stand or park a vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
(n)
(1)
This subsection does not apply in Baltimore City.
(2)
A person may not stand or park a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
(o)
A person may not stand or park a vehicle within 30 feet on the approach to any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway.
(p)
A person may not stand or park a vehicle within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station or on the side of a highway opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of the entrance, if properly signposted.
(q)
A person may not stand or park a vehicle at any place where standing is prohibited by an official sign.
(r)
A person may not stand or park a vehicle on the roadway side of any other vehicle that is stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a highway.
(s)
A person may not stand or park a vehicle on a curve or hill where solid lines on the surface of the roadway indicate a zone in which passing is prohibited.
(t)
A person may not park a vehicle within 50 feet of the nearest rail in a railroad grade crossing.
(u)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle unless for the use of an individual with a disability, in a space or zone marked as restricted for the use of individuals with disabilities.
(v)
A person may not park a vehicle on any property owned by the Board of Education of Montgomery County or Montgomery College where parking is prohibited by an official sign.
(w)
A person may not park a vehicle on any property owned by the Board of Education of Baltimore County or the community colleges of Baltimore County where parking is prohibited by an official sign.
(x)
A person may not park a vehicle on any property owned by the Board of Education of Wicomico County or the community colleges of Wicomico County where parking is prohibited by an official sign.
(y)
A person may not park a vehicle on any property owned by the Board of Education of Prince George’s County where parking is prohibited by an official sign.
(z)
A person may not park a vehicle on any property owned by the Board of Education of Calvert County, Charles County, or St. Mary’s County or the community colleges of Calvert County, Charles County, or St. Mary’s County where parking is prohibited by an official sign.
(aa)
A person may not park a vehicle at any other place where parking is prohibited by an official sign.
(bb)
A person may not move a vehicle that he does not lawfully control into any prohibited area.
(cc)
A person may not move a vehicle that the person does not lawfully control away from a curb for an unlawful distance.
(dd)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in front of a curb ramp designed for the use of individuals with disabilities.
(ee)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in front of or on a passenger loading zone designed or marked for the use of individuals with disabilities.
(ff)
(1)
A person convicted of a violation of subsection (j) of this section while operating a commercial motor vehicle in Anne Arundel County is subject to:
(i)
For a first offense, a fine of $100;
(ii)
For a second offense, a fine of $250; and
(iii)
For a third or subsequent offense, a fine of $500.
(2)
A person convicted of a violation of subsection (u) or (dd) of this section is subject to a fine of $25.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1003.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1003.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, a local authority may not issue a residential parking permit to the owner of a vehicle to be valid for a period in excess of 30 days unless the owner provides satisfactory evidence that:
(1)
The vehicle for which the parking permit is sought is registered in the State; or
(2)
The owner of the vehicle has obtained under § 13-402.1 of this article:
(i)
A nonresident permit; or
(ii)
A complimentary guest card.
(b)
If a residential parking permit area is established as a result of the construction of a professional sports facility that seats 45,000 or more people, a local authority may not charge a fee for the issuance of a permit to park in that area.
(c)
In Baltimore City, the Executive Director of the Baltimore City Parking Authority may issue, on a showing of evidence of ownership and occupancy, a residential parking permit to a person who owns and occupies residential property in the residential parking permit area regardless of whether the person would otherwise qualify for a residential parking permit under subsection (a) of this section.
(d)
In the City of Annapolis, the Annapolis Parking and Fines Section of the Annapolis Police Department may issue, on a showing of evidence of ownership and occupancy, a residential parking permit to a person who owns and occupies residential property in the residential parking permit area regardless of whether the person would otherwise qualify for a residential parking permit under subsection (a) of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1003.2 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1003.2LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Plug–in electric drive vehicle” means a motor vehicle:
(i)
That is made by a manufacturer;
(ii)
That is propelled to a significant extent by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that can be recharged from an external source of electricity;
(iii)
For which the external source of electricity is unable to be connected to the motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is in motion; and
(iv)
That is properly registered.
(3)
“Plug–in electric drive vehicle charging space” means a parking space that provides access to charging equipment that transfers electrical energy to a plug–in electric drive vehicle.
(b)
Unless the vehicle is a plug–in electric drive vehicle that is plugged into charging equipment, a person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a designated plug–in electric drive vehicle charging space.
(c)
A publicly accessible plug–in electric drive vehicle charging space shall be designated by a sign that:
(1)
Indicates that the charging space is only for electric vehicle charging;
(2)
Includes any day or time restrictions;
(3)
States the maximum fine that may be incurred for a violation; and
(4)
Is consistent with the design and placement specifications established in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways adopted by the State Highway Administration under § 25–104 of this article.
(d)
A plug–in electric drive vehicle charging space shall be counted as part of the overall number of parking spaces in a parking lot for the purpose of complying with any zoning or parking laws intended to meet requirements for commercial and industrial uses under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(e)
A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of $100.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1004 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1004LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a vehicle that is stopped or parked on a two-way roadway shall be stopped or parked parallel to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway, with its right hand wheels within 12 inches of that curb or edge of the roadway.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided by local ordinance, a vehicle that is stopped or parked on a one-way roadway shall be stopped or parked parallel to the curb or edge of the roadway, in the direction of authorized traffic movement, with:
(1)
Its right hand wheels within 12 inches of the right hand curb or edge of the roadway; or
(2)
Its left hand wheels within 12 inches of the left hand curb or edge of the roadway.
(c)
The State Highway Administration or any local authority may permit angle parking on the roadway of any highway in its jurisdiction, if the roadway has been determined to be wide enough to permit angle parking without interfering with the free movement of traffic.
(d)
The State Highway Administration or any local authority may place signs that prohibit or restrict the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on any highway in its jurisdiction where to stop, stand, or park would:
(1)
Endanger those using the highway; or
(2)
Interfere unduly with the free movement of traffic on the highway.
(e)
(1)
A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle on any private property not owned by the owner or driver of the vehicle unless the person has express or implied permission from the property owner, his tenant, or his agent to stop, stand, or park the vehicle, as the case may be.
(2)
In Baltimore City or in any county, upon the request of the owner, his agent, or his tenant, a police officer may issue a citation for a violation of the provisions of this subsection.
(f)
As of October 1, 2010, any sign that designates a parking space or zone for the use of individuals with disabilities shall clearly state the maximum amount of the fine to which a person is subject for parking a vehicle in the parking space or zone in violation of § 21-1003(u) of this subtitle.
(g)
(1)
(i)
In this subsection, “an inoperable or disabled vehicle” means a vehicle that is visibly unable to function or move or that, though able to operate or move, poses a severe safety hazard.
(ii)
“An inoperable or disabled vehicle” includes:
(1)
A vehicle that is missing a wheel or wheels;
(2)
A vehicle that has a severely underinflated or flat tire or tires; and
(3)
A vehicle with a severely damaged windshield.
(2)
This subsection applies only in Washington County.
(3)
(i)
Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a person may not leave an inoperable or disabled vehicle continuously parked in the same location on a highway for more than 7 days.
(ii)
Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not apply to a vehicle that has been immobilized by a local governmental entity or an agent of a local governmental entity.
(4)
A person who violates paragraph (3) of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
(5)
(i)
A vehicle that is left in violation of paragraph (3) of this subsection may be towed only if notice of the intent to tow the vehicle is posted prominently on the vehicle at least 72 hours in advance.
(ii)
The notice of the intent to tow an inoperable or disabled vehicle shall include:
(1)
The address and telephone number of the facility where the vehicle will be impounded; and
(2)
Contact information where the owner of the vehicle may direct questions regarding the notice of the intent to tow.
(6)
If a vehicle is taken into custody under this section, a police department shall follow the same notice requirements as those for abandoned vehicles under § 25–204 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1004.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1004.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not leave a cat or dog unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health or safety of the cat or dog.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may use reasonable force to remove from a motor vehicle a cat or dog left in the vehicle in violation of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section if the person is:
(1)
A law enforcement officer;
(2)
A public safety employee of the State or of a local governing body;
(3)
An animal control officer under the jurisdiction of the State or a local governing body;
(4)
An officer of a society or association, incorporated under the laws of this State for the prevention of cruelty to animals, authorized to make arrests under the provisions of § 10-609 of the Criminal Law Article; or
(5)
A volunteer or professional of a fire and rescue service.
(c)
A person may not use force of any kind to remove from a motor vehicle:
(1)
A dog used by the State or a local governing body for police work while the dog is on duty; or
(2)
A cat or dog in the custody of an animal control officer.
(d)
A person described in subsection (b) of this section may not be held liable for any damages directly resulting from actions taken under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1005 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1005LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person who has a permanent physical disability may apply to the Administration, on the form that it requires, for a permit for one personal residential reserved parking space:
(1)
To be located at the curb, side, or edge of the roadway of the highway in front of or near the applicant’s dwelling unit; and
(2)
To provide convenience and safety as the person enters or leaves a vehicle.
(b)
(1)
The Administration shall issue the permit:
(i)
If the applicant is required to use a wheelchair to move about or if the Administration determines that the disability is so severe that the applicant would endure a hardship or be subject to a risk of injury if the applicant should enter or leave the vehicle at a less convenient location; and
(ii)
If the Administration determines that the physical disability is permanent.
(2)
To determine if eligibility requirements continue to be met, the Administration may conduct a review of any personal residential permit for reserved parking space it has issued under this subsection. If it determines that eligibility requirements are not being met, the Administration may:
(i)
Revoke the personal residential permit for reserved parking space; and
(ii)
Require the appropriate agency to remove any sign or other identification of the reserved space.
(3)
If the Administration finds it necessary to review the severity or permanency of the disability of a holder of a personal residential permit for reserved parking space, the Administration may request review and recommendation by the Medical Advisory Board established under § 16-118 of this article.
(c)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any parking space reserved under this section shall be adjacent to the applicant’s property lines or the property lines of the applicant’s dwelling unit and may not extend to the roadway adjacent to neighboring properties.
(2)
If the applicant’s property lines or the property lines of the applicant’s dwelling unit are too narrow to accommodate and contain the entire parking space necessary to park the applicant’s vehicle, or if it is necessary to reserve 2 or more abutting parking spaces under this section, the maximum possible portion of the necessary space shall be adjacent to the applicant’s property lines or the property lines of the applicant’s dwelling unit.
(d)
On receipt of the permit, the person shall affix it to the vehicle in a conspicuous place.
(e)
A person may not commit any fraud or make any misrepresentation in applying for a permit for a personal residential reserved parking space issued under this section or in any certification of fact as to the contents of the application.
(f)
A person may not commit any fraud or make any misrepresentation in using a permit for a personal residential reserved parking space issued under this section.
(g)
In addition to any other penalty provided by law for a violation of this section, the Administration may refuse to issue a permit for a personal residential reserved parking space or revoke a permit that has been issued.
(h)
A person aggrieved by a decision or order of the Administration issued under this section may appeal from the decision or order as provided in § 12-209 of this article.
(i)
After the Administration issues the permit for a personal residential reserved parking space, the Administration shall notify the State Highway Administration or, as to parking spaces in Baltimore City, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, or, as to parking spaces in Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Department of Traffic Engineering.
(j)
Except in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, within 30 days after it receives the notification required by subsection (i) of this section, the State Highway Administration shall install and maintain at the proper place a sign or signs, which shall:
(1)
Conform to the applicable requirements of the Maryland Accessibility Code adopted under § 12-202 of the Public Safety Article; and
(2)
Designate the space as a personal residential parking space.
(k)
In Baltimore City, the establishment of a personal residential reserved parking space shall be subject to approval of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, in accordance with the charter and public local laws of Baltimore City.
(l)
In Baltimore County, the establishment of a personal residential reserved parking space shall be subject to approval of the Baltimore County Department of Traffic Engineering, in accordance with the charter and public local laws of Baltimore County.
(m)
Unless the vehicle displays a personal residential permit issued for the space in which the vehicle is parked, a person may not park a vehicle in a personal residential reserved parking space established under this section.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1006 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1006LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Each parking lot that is constructed or altered after October 1, 1996 shall conform with the requirements of the Maryland Accessibility Code adopted under § 12–202 of the Public Safety Article.
(2)
(i)
As of October 1, 2010, each parking lot in the State shall conform with the requirements of the Maryland Accessibility Code adopted under § 12–202 of the Public Safety Article.
(ii)
A person may comply with this paragraph by restriping the parking lot to provide the required number of parking spaces for individuals with disabilities, including parking spaces that are disabled van accessible.
(iii)
If restriping a parking lot to comply with this subsection reduces the total number of spaces to below the number required by local law, the local jurisdiction shall grant the property owner an exception to the relevant local zoning ordinance.
(b)
A person may not park a motor vehicle in a space designated for the use of individuals with disabilities unless:
(1)
The vehicle bears a special registration plate, a removable windshield placard, or a temporary removable windshield placard issued by the Administration under § 13–616, § 13–616.1, or § 13–616.2 of this article or similarly by another state, the District of Columbia, or another country; and
(2)
The person is authorized to use the privileges conferred by the special registration plate, removable windshield placard, or temporary placard under § 13–616, § 13–616.1, or § 13–616.2 of this article, or under the laws of another state, the District of Columbia, or another country.
(c)
Any restriping or repaving of a parking lot shall be considered an alteration under the Maryland Accessibility Code adopted under § 12–202 of the Public Safety Article.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1007 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1007LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The owner or lessor of a supermarket, business establishment, or shopping area or center that has entrances surrounded by obstacles designed to prevent shopping carts from being removed from the premises, shall provide an unobstructed entrance during business hours for individuals with disabilities, as provided for in subsection (b) of this section.
(b)
Such an entrance shall be at least 36 inches wide and constructed to allow reasonable access for entry and egress for individuals with disabilities.
(c)
Failure to provide such an entrance, or failure to keep it unlocked and accessible during business hours to individuals with disabilities, is a violation of this article.
(d)
Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as negating the provisions of the Maryland Accessibility Code adopted under § 12-202 of the Public Safety Article.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1008 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1008LinkCopy Citation
(a)
By fiscal year 2000, each public institution of higher education and State employment facility shall provide reasonable accommodations necessary for bicycle access, including parking for bicycles.
(b)
When a public institution of higher education revises its facility master plan, the public institution of higher education shall address bicycle and pedestrian transportation circulation:
(1)
Between the institution and the communities adjacent to the institution; and
(2)
Within the campus of the institution.
(c)
The facility master plan shall include measures that the institution proposes to:
(1)
Incorporate bikeways and pedestrian facilities on the campus; and
(2)
Promote biking and walking on the campus.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1009 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1009LinkCopy Citation
In Charles County, the county commissioners may adopt ordinances and regulations relating to the towing or removal of vehicles from privately owned parking lots.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1010 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1010LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “commercial vehicle” means a vehicle that:
(1)
Is used to transport property;
(2)
Is owned by, or used in conjunction with, a business enterprise; and
(3)
Is of a type capable of being registered:
(i)
Other than under § 13–917 of this article, as a Class E (truck) vehicle under this article;
(ii)
As a Class F (tractor) vehicle under this article; or
(iii)
As a Class G (trailer) vehicle under this article.
(b)
This section does not apply to any vehicle that is of a type capable of being registered:
(1)
As a Class A (passenger) vehicle under § 13–912 of this article; or
(2)
As a Class E (truck) vehicle under § 13–917 of this article.
(c)
This section does not apply in any municipal corporation in Prince George’s County.
(d)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, in Prince George’s County, a person may not park a commercial vehicle on any street, highway, driveway, or other property in an area specified as a residential zone under the zoning regulations of Prince George’s County.
(2)
This subsection does not apply if the parking of the commercial vehicle is essential to the immediate use then being made of the commercial vehicle in conjunction with a commercial transaction for a business enterprise.
(e)
(1)
In the case of a combination tractor and trailer, a person who violates this section is subject to a separate fine for each vehicle.
(2)
For the purpose of determining the penalty under this section, each day of a violation is a separate offense.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-1011 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 10. Stopping, Standing, and Parking
§ 21–1011LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
This section applies:
(i)
To a vehicle registered or capable of being registered:
(1)
Other than under § 13–917 of this article, as a Class E (truck) vehicle under this article;
(2)
As a Class F (tractor) vehicle under this article;
(3)
As a Class G (trailer) vehicle under this article;
(4)
As a Class H (school bus) vehicle under this article; and
(5)
As a Class P (passenger bus) vehicle under this article; and
(ii)
Only in:
(1)
The Town of Sharpsburg, Washington County; and
(2)
The Town of Keedysville, Washington County.
(2)
This section does not apply to any vehicle that is of a type capable of being registered:
(i)
As a Class A (passenger) vehicle under § 13–912 of this article; or
(ii)
As a Class E (truck) vehicle under § 13–917 of this article.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not park a vehicle on any street or highway.
(2)
This subsection does not apply if the parking of the vehicle is essential to the immediate use then being made of the vehicle.
(c)
(1)
In the case of a combination tractor and trailer, a person who violates this section is subject to a separate fine for each vehicle.
(2)
For the purpose of determining the penalty under this section, each day of a violation is a separate offense.