Even with the high gas prices many of us are driving a lot this year, and that also means a lot of parking. The Quad Cities has some weird roads and potholes. We are also made up of 2 states... So the parking rules are a bit different in these five cities.

Today we are going to look at the most basic laws that affect us right here in the Quad Cities.

We are a bit strict with our laws

Thankfully our parking laws aren't as strict as they could be for our city size, though compared to other spots in Iowa and even Illinois you may be more likely to get a ticket here in the QC for a parking violation.

Iowa laws

Let's start with the Iowa side. According to Iowa Parking Laws, most Iowa parking laws are located in Chapter 321 of the Iowa state code. It should also be noted that under Iowa parking law, you have the right to appeal a ticket.

Let's start with section 321.358:

No person can stop, stand, or park a vehicle in any of the following areas: On a sidewalk, except for a bicycle. In front of a public or private driveway. Within an intersection. Within five feet of a fire hydrant. On a crosswalk. Within ten feet of a stop sign, flashing beacon, or traffic signal. Between a safety zone or 10 feet from either end of the safety zone. Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. With 25 feet of a fire station entrance or 75 feet if posted by the station and local IA parking laws. Alongside or opposite of any street with excavation when stopping would obstruct traffic flow. On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of the street or curb. Upon any bridge or other elevated structure on a highway outside of city limits or within a highway tunnel. At any place signs and local IA parking laws prohibit parking. On a street when snow is specified to be removed. In front of a curb cut or ramp.

Well... That was a lot of spots you CAN"T park. There is more to look at too.

Iowa parking law 321.357:

Any police officer is allowed to remove an unattended vehicle from a bridge, causeway, or tunnel if that car is otherwise parked legally but obstructing traffic.

Iowa parking law under code 321.354:

When a police officer is allowed to remove an attended or unattended vehicle from a highway. The car must usually be parked 20 feet away from moving traffic (if possible) and be visible for 200 feet in both directions according to IA parking laws.

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Illinois Laws

On to The Illinois side of the Quad Cities! According to Illinois Parking Laws, parking law violators are fined for violations of local laws, rather than statewide parking laws. However, in some situations, state parking laws will be enforced against drivers.

Stopping, standing or parking is prohibited in specified places. Local stopping, standing, and parking regulations will usually be posted on signs. Some statewide
regulations are not always indicated by signs though.

Stopping, standing or parking is prohibited: On the roadway side of any parked vehicle (double parking). On a sidewalk, crosswalk or within an intersection. Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb. Beside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction if your vehicle would block traffic. On any bridge, overpass, railroad track or within a highway tunnel. On any controlled access roadway — one you may enter or exit only at certain points. In the area between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers. On a paved roadway or highway outside business or residential districts when it is practical to stop or park off the roadway. In an emergency, you may stop and park only if there is a clear view for 200 feet in each direction. Turn on your emergency
flashers and make sure there is enough space for other vehicles to pass.
At any place where official signs prohibit stopping, standing or parking.

Parking fines are quite frequent, and can be expected if you violate parking rules,

In addition to parking fines, people who violate IL parking laws may sometimes have their car towed and impounded. Towing may also happen from private lots if you are parked in one illegally. The fees for towing and releasing your car from impound may be several hundred dollars as well.

If you have violated a minor Illinois parking law, like staying too long at a parking meter or in a space marked for limited-duration parking, you are likely to be assessed a much smaller fine. For more serious violations of Illinois parking laws, like parking in a disabled spot, you can expect a fine of up to hundreds of dollars.

I just dumped a lot of information onto you about parking in the QC.  Most of it is common sense, but some of these rules may be ones that are a little less known. You should also be careful while pulling through parking spaces in parking lots. If an accident happens it will most likely fall on you for pulling through.

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