I received a request from a gentleman who wanted others to know how far away drivers have to park from roadside features. He has a problem with people parking across the end of his driveway rather than keeping their distance and is hoping that a reminder to other drivers might solve it. Is your measuring tape ready?

Photo: Contributed

You cannot park in the following places: on a sidewalk or boulevard, in front of a driveway, in an intersection unless permitted by a sign, on a crosswalk, bridge, elevated roadway or in a tunnel, contrary to a sign, on the roadway side of a vehicle already parked, or on a highway for the purpose of advertising or selling.

You cannot park within 5 metres of a fire hydrant.

You must not park within 6 metres of: the approach side of a crosswalk, the approach to a flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control signal, the entrance or exit of a hotel, theatre, public meeting place, dance hall, fire hall, or playground in a rural area.

You cannot park within 15 metres of a railroad crossing.

Of course, if you must park somewhere forbidden due to a breakdown, a note on the car and a word to the property owner goes a long way to avoid misunderstandings.

The author is a retired constable with many years of traffic enforcement experience. To comment or learn more, please visit www.drivesmartbc.ca.