In Canada and the United States, parking near garbage bins, in green spaces, or in other restricted spots can lead to penalties that vary by city. Local governments enforce these rules to keep sidewalks clear, ensure waste collection runs smoothly, and prevent obstructions that disrupt traffic or endanger pedestrians. Enforcement is carried out by municipal officers who apply city by-laws that spell out where parking is not allowed. The exact fine depends on the jurisdiction and on whether the offense is a first violation or part of a pattern. In practice, penalties range from modest fines in the tens to several hundred dollars, with higher amounts in major urban areas. Weather and seasonal rules, temporary construction zones, and snow removal periods can add extra penalties. In many places, a warning may be issued before a ticket is written.
Parking next to curbside waste containers is typically prohibited in North American cities. The intent is to keep collection lanes open and ensure crews can access bins safely. Fines for this violation usually start around fifty dollars and can climb to several hundred depending on the city, the time, and whether it is a first offense or a repeat. Some municipalities spell out the rule in a dedicated by-law; others incorporate it into broader curbside parking rules. In large districts like New York City, Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, penalties are clearly defined in the municipal codes and tickets may be issued even for brief stays in a no-parking zone near a bin. Warnings are common first steps in many places, before a formal citation is issued if the vehicle remains in violation.
Parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities without a valid permit is illegal in North America. Penalties are typically higher than standard parking fines and can range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand, depending on the city. Corporate or fleet vehicles face the same penalties, and repeated offenses can trigger higher fines or administrative actions. The exact amount depends on locale and whether the offense is treated as a general violation or a protected-access violation. The goal of these penalties is to protect access and mobility for people with disabilities.
Vehicles must not block pedestrian paths, driveways, or other travel lanes. When a vehicle blocks passage, fines are levied and, in many places, the vehicle may be towed. Typical penalties in smaller cities start around seventy-five dollars; larger cities often impose higher fines, with more consistent enforcement. In some jurisdictions, blocking a critical exit or emergency access can lead to immediate towing and substantial fines to discourage obstruction.
Winter parking rules and snow removal add complexity; this guide explains how penalties rise when vehicles block plows or emergency routes in cities.