Fire Hydrant Parking Distance Rules And Fines In Ontario

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Fire Hydrant Parking Distance Rules and Fines in Ontario

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Written by Kayla Jane Barrie Updated on Mar 03, 2025 4 mins read

⊸ Blog⊸ Fire Hydrant Parking Distance Rules and Fines in Ontario

What you need to know about parking near a fire hydrant

Most drivers know that parking beside a fire hydrant is illegal. But, do you know what the fines are and if they can affect your driving record? Here are the rules and consequences you must know for parking near fire hydrants.

What you need to know about fire hydrant parking laws

• You are not allowed to park within three metres (nine feet) of a fire hydrant.
• In Ontario, the fine for parking too close to a fire hydrant is $100.
• A fire hydrant parking fine will not affect your insurance premiums.

What's on this page:

• How far do you need to park from a fire hydrant?
• What is the fine for parking too close to a fire hydrant?
• Fire hydrant parking in Toronto
• You parked close to a fire hydrant. Now what?
• Tips to avoid a fire hydrant parking ticket
• Fire hydrant parking FAQs

How far do you need to park from a fire hydrant?

You are not allowed to park within three metres (nine feet) of a fire hydrant, or you will be fined if caught. This is applicable in all municipalities across Ontario. You can also get a ticket if you are parked to load or unload near a fire hydrant.

The three metre rule exists so fire crews can see hydrants from the street and park as close as possible to access the hydrants when working on extinguishing a fire.

What is the fine for parking too close to a fire hydrant?

In Ontario, the fine for parking too close to a fire hydrant is $100. Fines can be paid in person at the local city hall or online. Being caught will not increase car insurance quotes.

Fire hydrant parking in Toronto

The Canadian Press found that illegal parking near fire hydrants brought in millions of dollars for city hall in Toronto. According to the report, the city has collected more than $24 million since 2008 by fining people who park too close to hydrants.

Being ticketed can happen regardless of how far back the hydrant is from the curb. Cars parked too close to the infamous fire hydrant at 393 University Ave, have been ticketed close to 3000 times. The fines add up to $289,620 - more than any other hydrant in Toronto.

You parked close to a fire hydrant. Now what?

If you parked too close to a fire hydrant, details on how to pay your ticket are found on the parking ticket. You may dispute a violation in court according to the Ontario Provincial Offenses Act, if you have a valid reason and can prove it. Most cities in Ontario offer 15 days to pay the parking ticket. However, if you ignore the ticket, you will receive additional penalties.

Tips to avoid a fire hydrant parking ticket

Here are some tips to avoid getting parking tickets in your city :

• Look for fire hydrants that are across the curb or closer to buildings.
• Double-check for street signs that mention "no parking" and "fire route".
• Plan your trip ahead of time and locate public parking near your destination.
• Avoid idling in 'no stopping zones' and 'no standing' areas, including near hydrants.
• Try public transit. You won't need to waste time trying to find parking, and you'll help lower your carbon imprint.

Fire hydrant parking FAQs

Here are some common questions about parking near a fire hydrant :

Do fire hydrant parking tickets affect demerit points?

You will not get demerit points for a fire hydrant parking ticket because it is not a moving violation.

Are fire hydrant parking rules the same in all cities?

In Ontario, many cities have a $100 fine for parking less than three metres away. There are some variances from city to city. Always check the local laws of where you live or are travelling to.

Can a fire hydrant parking ticket affect your insurance rate?

If you do receive a parking ticket too close to a fire hydrant, it will not have an impact. Parking tickets will not appear on your insurance history. No matter how many tickets you receive, your rates will not increase because of any type of parking ticket.

Can I park across the street from a fire hydrant?

You cannot if there are signs and if you are less than three meters away from the hydrant. Generally, roads are wide enough for you to park across the street from a fire hydrant, but always double-check for parking signs and distance.

Can I park in front of an out-of-service fire hydrant?

If you park beside an out-of-service fire hydrant, you can still get a ticket.

Can you park by a yellow fire hydrant?

No, the colour of the fire hydrant is irrelevant. You must still park at least three meters away from it, or you risk being ticketed.

Are there any times when it's acceptable to park in front of a fire hydrant?

It is never acceptable to park less than three meters from a fire hydrant. It doesn’t matter if the hydrant is out of order, if you’re making a quick stop, or if it is painted a different colour.

Can my car be damaged if I park too close to a fire hydrant?

Although firefighters will not intentionally damage your vehicle, it can happen. There have been instances where vehicles have had their windows broken for the hose to access the hydrant. A couple of broken windows is a small price to pay for the safety of a person or community.

What can I do if someone is parked beside a fire hydrant

Call the non-emergency phone number in your area. Advise the operator of an illegally parked car. You will need to provide them with the location, license plate, make and model of the vehicle.

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Kayla Jane Barrie

Digital Content Writer

Kayla-Jane has been a content writer with ThinkInsure since 2020. She creates insurance content for auto, home, and commercial. Kayla-Jane has a diploma in Journalism.

Categories	Auto
Tags	Driving Tips

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