Watch for signs
Ensure to read parking signs carefully. Please visit our Reading Parking Signs page for more information.
Know the difference between "No Stopping" and "No Parking"
The "No Stopping" symbol is the most restrictive parking regulation. Once a vehicle has ceased moving, even if it is occupied, it is deemed stopped. Some roads in the downtown core have rush hour "No Stopping" zones. If your vehicle is parked at one of these locations during the posted rush hour times, it will be towed and impounded.
The "No Parking" symbol is less restrictive. You may park in a "No Parking" zone as long as you are actively loading/unloading.
Loading zones
You can remain parked in a loading zone for a maximum of 30 minutes as long as you are actively loading or unloading passengers or materials. Loading zones are in effect 6AM-6PM Monday to Friday unless otherwise specified on the sign. 24 hour loading zones are in effect 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
No longer loading/unloading but remain parked in the loading zone? That's a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act [PDF] and may result in a $25.00 fine ($61.60 after 60 days).
Accessible parking zones
Accessible parking zones are a necessity for people with disabilities. Be courteous and leave these spaces available for those with a valid accessible parking permit. Parking in an accessible zone without a valid accessible permit may result in a parking ticket of $100.00 ($136.60 after 60 days).
If you have a disability and require the use of an accessible space, it is your responsibility to ensure that your government-issued permit is correctly displayed. The entire permit must be visible from the exterior of the vehicle, including the permit number and expiration date. Some accessible spaces have an hourly limit posted on the sign - be sure to check for this before leaving your vehicle.
Bus stops
Drivers often pull into bus stops to wait for a friend, buy a cup of coffee, or use a bank machine. Even a quick stop blocks the zone, forcing Halifax Transit drivers to unload or load passengers on the street. This is a potential hazard and an inconvenience for other motorists when the bus is unable to pull into the zone. Parking at a bus stop is a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act [PDF] and may result in a ticket of $25.00 ($61.60 after 60 days).
A helpful list of places you can't park on-street:
- on or within 5 metres of a crosswalk
- on a sidewalk
- in a fire lane
- within 5 metres of a fire hydrant
- in front of a private driveway
- within 10 metres of a stop sign
- less than 7.5 metres from a corner
- on the wrong side of the street
- in a bicycle lane
- in any given spot for longer than 24 hours
In addition, watch for posted street cleaning signs and areas that have multiple signs in effect. Bus, Tour Bus, and Taxi zones are all off limits to unauthorized vehicles. If you choose to park in any of these zones, you can be ticketed and towed.