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TRAFFIC AND PARKING ENFORCEMENT
| The Takoma Park Police Department regularly participates in a number of state-wide enforcement campaigns, such as the Chief's Challenge, Respect Red, as well as various Back-to-School Campaigns. Below you can find information about some of the parking/traffic laws of the City of Takoma Park, as well as Frequently Asked Questions about Parking Violation tickets and fines. |  |
- City of Takoma Park Speed Limits
- Permit-Parking Areas
- Courtesy
- Long-Term Parking
- Parking Left Wheels to Curb
- Parking Violations and Fines
- F.A.Q.'s
Questions and complaints regarding parking are among the most common calls to the Takoma Park Police Department. Police and parking enforcement officers (PEOs) respond to these when they relate to on-street parking. In addition to parking enforcement, traffic law enforcement is a top priority for the department. This page is an excellent resource for citizens interested in the topics of parking and traffic enforcement in the City of Takoma Park.
A time and vehicle specific complaint regarding possible parking violations can be made to the PEO or to on-duty police officers by calling the communications office at 301.270.1100. Complaints about recurring problems or general concerns can be addressed to your beat officer or PEO by calling them directly at 301.891.7102. Concerns about parking violations on private property should be directed to Code Enforcement at 301.891.7119.
City of Takoma Park Speed Limits:
County and state data show the top six traffic violations leading to collisions are: failure to give full attention, to yield right of way, or to obey traffic signals; vehicle speed too fast for driving conditions; following other vehicles too closely; and driving under the influence.
It is important to remember that the highest legal speed limit in the City is 35 mph. This is allowed only on New Hampshire Avenue and University Boulevard. Most residential streets in Takoma Park are posted for 25 mph , with lower speeds required when posted or if driving conditions warrant. Sections of Highway 410 and Piney Branch Road allow a maximum of 30 mph.
Several Takoma Park neighborhoods are designated as permit-parking areas. During daytime hours, on-street parking is allowed only to vehicles showing current permit stickers. Permits are valid June 30th and can be purchased for one or two years.
Photocopies of the current vehicle registration card for each vehicle and driver's license for at least one owner must be submitted showing a current Takoma Park address in the requested permit area. Two visitor parking permits will be issued for each address. The 'visitor' permit should be displayed in a vehicle, which must be parked within 500 feet of the residence to which it is issued .
Citizens can apply for permits in person at the Police Administration office weekdays, between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Click here to download a parking permit application.
If you anticipate that an event may involve parking problems, you may contact the Police Department and request "courtesy" or temporary suspension of enforcement in a specific area. Examples of situations which would warrant providing courtesy: tradesman working at your home on a given day, or week; an event for which heavy parking is anticipated.
Rules will still be enforced for infractions such as blocking driveways or fire hydrants.
When a complaint is received saying a car has been parked for longer than three days in one place on a public street, the police department will check the vehicle. If it is properly registered, a warning will be written. Three days later, the police will check the vehicle again and write a citation. If it has not been moved within the next 10 days, it can be towed.
At times, the police will exercise discretion for the "72-hour" rule, if the vehicle is parked near the residence to which it is registered. Residents are encouraged to request "courtesy" if they plan to leave a vehicle on the street for extended periods of time due to business or vacation.
A warning can be written immediately for an improperly registered vehicle. If not moved, it can be towed. Only one unregistered vehicle can be kept on private property; contact Code Enforcement for private property violations, 301.891.7119.
Parking Left Wheels to the Curb:
On a two-way street, any time a vehicle crosses the center line of the roadway to park against the flow of traffic, therefore placing the "left wheels to the curb," the vehicle can be ticketed. The Takoma Park Police Department enforces this state rule, except during snow emergencies. The rule does not apply on one-way streets. Some new residents are surprised that this state law is enforced in the City, but we honor it because of safety concerns.
Illegally parking in a space designated for vehicles with handicapped permits and fire-lane violations are aggressively enforced in response to citizen concerns.
Click here for a complete schedule of fees.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tickets/Fines for Parking Violations:
"I shouldn't have gotten this ticket; can't the police void it?"
Once written, a citation cannot be voided. The citation may be disputed in court, following instructions on the citation.
"How do I pay a ticket?"
The parking ticket can be paid Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM at the police department. Payment can also be made by mail, making your check or money order payable to:
City of Takoma Park, MD.
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, MD. 20912.
Please indicate the ticket number on the check or money order and penalties if the payment is late. Collateral doubles after 15 days of the violation.
Administrative fees of $15.00 are added after 30 days of the violation.
Non-payment of tickets will result in a "flag" on the registration of your vehicle. Until payment is made, it will not be possible to renew your vehicle registration.
Tickets can also be paid online by clicking here.
"How do I request a court date?"
If the vehicle owner wishes to contest the ticket or explain the circumstances, they may request a court day by filling out the appropriate area and returning the ticket by mail to the Takoma Park Police Department. The time of trial at the court, 8665 Georgia Avenue, will be sent by mail, this notification can take from one to two months to be sent.
"I've paid my ticket. Why have I received a delinquency notice?"
Occasionally errors are made and you might receive a delinquency notice for a ticket you have paid. If that happens, please send or bring a copy of the notice and proof of payment (receipt or cancelled check) to the Police Administration office. The correction will be made as quickly as possible.
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