Can you park in any direction in Boise neighborhoods? How to avoid fines
Confused by Boise’s parking rules? Whether you’re circling downtown looking for a spot or wondering if you really need a residential permit — here’s how to avoid a fine and make sense of the rules.
Can anyone park in your neighborhood? What about in front of your house? Does it matter which direction your car is facing when you park on a residential street?
In most cases, the answer is yes as long as it’s not on your property, such as in the driveway. The vehicle can’t obstruct pedestrian traffic and must allow people to comfortably pass.
You’re not allowed to stop, stand, or park your car in any of the following places, according to state law:
In the lane next to a parked car or where you block traffic
On a sidewalk
In an intersection
In a crosswalk
In or too close to a safety zone (usually near bus stops or pedestrian areas), unless signs say otherwise
Next to construction or road work if it would block traffic
On a bridge, overpass, or inside a tunnel
On railroad tracks
On highways where access is limited (like freeways)
Anywhere a sign or signal says you can’t stop
But what about if you’re just quickly dropping off or picking someone up? Do airport rules apply?
Idaho statute says you can’t park in the following instances:
In front of any driveway (public or private)
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
Within 30 feet of any flashing light, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal
Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway (on the same side of the street)
Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
Other Boise street parking regulations
Other considerations for street parking in Boise include length of time and orientation of the vehicle. Unless specifically allowed by a permit, residential or otherwise, a vehicle cannot stay parked in the same spot for longer than 72 hours, according to the city.
The city just announced this week that some downtown parking meters will go from four-hour to two-hour to make more short-term parking available.
Tempted to just move the vehicle up or back? The city requires the vehicle to be moved more than 600 feet from the original spot or it will be considered continuous parking and be subject to fine. That change was made by the Boise City Council in 2021, closing the loophole in the ordinance. The corresponding fine, the amount depending on where the car is parked, must be paid within 10 days.
One last box to be checked when parking is the orientation of your vehicle on the street, whether it’s a two-way or one-way road.
Two-way streets:
If you’re parking on a two-way street, make sure your car’s right-side wheels are close to the right-hand curb — no more than 18 inches away.
One-way streets:
On a one-way street, you can park on either side, but you must park in the same direction traffic is moving. Your wheels should be no more than 18 inches from the curb on the side you choose.
The rules also apply to any trailer, shipping container, storage container or other non-vehicular items.