Parking Offences

There always seems to be some confusion about what no parking actually means.  So let's see if we can clear some of this up.

There are three general on road offences that are regulated by sign.

No Parking
No parking means that you can stop your vehicle for the purpose of letting passengers in or out or dropping off / picking up packages.  This is short term.



No Standing

No standing means that you can stop your vehicle only for the purpose of letting passengers in or out of your car.  You'll find that most TTC Stops for example are in a no standing zone.


No Stopping

Pretty self explanatory.  You can't stop your car for any reason, except if directed by police, break down.


You have to look carefully at signs to determine allowable times since many areas will be governed by multiple signs.  An example of this is a rush hour route.  It may be OK to park in a specific area from 9:30am to 11:30am but then the area becomes a No Standing Zone until 1:30pm.  That same area may then become a No Stopping Zone at 3:30pm to 6:30pm.

Bicycle Lanes
Almost all of them that I have seen are in areas that are governed by No Stopping Signs.  This no stopping anytime regardless of how long or function. (See exceptions)  There is no specific charge for parking in a bike lane.  It falls to the no stopping offence.

Handicapped Spaces
Reserved for vehicles that bear a handicap permit that is visible.  The person that is named on the permit must be using it, or being transported in the vehicle.  In other words, if your elderly parents have a handicap permit and you are using their chauffeur, you can't use a designated space to shop at the mall unless they are physically with you.

Fire Routes
You may think it's no big deal to stop momentarily in them but they are allocated for the express purpose of fire vehicles to use for parking or for access.  Block a fire route and a ticket could be the least of your concerns.

Exemptions from Parking Rules
These are fairly obvious...Emergency Vehicles, (Ambulance, Fire, Police) and Public Works vehicles, all while in the course of their duties.

Towing
If your vehicle has received a parking infraction notice, your vehicle is eligible for a ride to a towing pound.  Rush hour routes...say good bye.  We work at keeping these free and clear to facilitate an optimum flow of traffic.
Relocation's occur from time to time for major events or emergency reasons.  Your vehicle won't be far, it's usually moved around the corner, a street over or across the street.  Just call 416-808-2222 and provide your licence plate number and we will be able to pinpoint the location for you.

Resources for more information

Toronto Police
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/parking/
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/parking/avoid_parking_ticket.pdf
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/traffic/towing_boundaries_and_pound_locations.pdf
(Caution on towing rates posted on this pdf...they may change. This is not the official rate notice)

City of Toronto
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/parking/regulations.htm
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/parking/index.htm

I'm sure there will be questions, so feel free to ask away.  I will answer them or direct you to the best resource for your answer.