Exploring Florida’s Legal Guidelines on Vehicle Parking Durations

ORLANDO, Fla. – In a bid to make Central Florida roads safer, News 6 traffic safety specialist Trooper Steve offers insights and advice, answering questions from viewers eager to improve their driving skills through better knowledge.

On Tuesday, Trooper Steve tackled an interesting inquiry: “Is there a legal time limit on how long someone can take to park their vehicle?”

Interestingly, Florida law does not impose a specific time limit or restrict the number of attempts for parking maneuvers. There’s no ticking clock or rule stating that drivers must park within a certain number of tries.

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However, it is crucial to note that Florida law does mandate that drivers must not block or impede the regular flow of traffic at any time.

Under Florida Statute 316.2045, it is unlawful to willfully obstruct the free, convenient and normal use of a public street. That means if your parking attempt is backing up traffic, creating a hazard or forcing other drivers to maneuver around you, you could potentially be cited.

Now, let’s be real: everyone has struggled with parallel parking at some point. Tight spaces, pressure from waiting drivers and the fear of bumping another car can turn a simple maneuver into a stressful situation.

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But if your attempt starts turning into a 10-, 12-, or 16-point process — complete with a growing line of frustrated drivers behind you — that’s usually a sign the space may not be the right fit.

Courtesy goes a long way on the road. If traffic is building, drivers should consider waving vehicles around if safe to do so or simply moving on to find another spot. Holding up an entire lane not only frustrates others but can increase the risk of rear-end crashes and road rage incidents.

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Parallel parking isn’t a competition and there’s no prize for forcing your vehicle into a space that clearly isn’t working.

At the end of the day, safe driving includes being aware of how your actions affect everyone else on the road. If you’re causing congestion, even unintentionally, you’ve become part of the traffic problem. So, take a breath, find a better spot, and keep things moving.