Stopping, Standing & Parking in Georgia

On the side of the road, drivers and passengers are especially vulnerable to being hit by other vehicles, which is why many accidents and injuries occur when drivers are stopping, standing, or parking after a breakdown on the highway. And, it is actually illegal to park on a highway because it is so dangerous. In fact, Georgia law specifically addresses where a motorist may stop, stand or park a vehicle.  The purpose of this law is to protect other drivers from hitting a stationary vehicle.  If a car is stopped in a prohibited area, and an accident occurs resulting in injury, the driver of the parked car could be found negligent and thus liable.  

However, if your vehicle is disabled, or you are in a situation where you must stop, you should make every effort to park off the highway or roadway, and try to leave 200 feet in each direction for free passage and a clear view of your vehicle.  

When it comes to safety, knowing when not to stop, stand, or park is as important as knowing when stopping is allowed. Stopping, standing, or parking is not permitted under the following conditions at any time:

• On the street side of any parked vehicle
• On a sidewalk
• Within an intersection
• On a crosswalk
• Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb
• Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic
• On a bridge or overpass, or within a highway tunnel
• On any railroad tracks
• On a controlled access highway
• In the area between roadways on a divided highway, including crossovers
• At any place marked by a No Parking sign

Stopping, standing, or parking is permitted only momentarily to pick up or drop off passengers under the following conditions:

• In front of a public or private driveway
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
• Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal
• Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway
• Within 75 feet of the spot across the street from a fire station driveway
• Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
• At any place where official signs prohibit standing

If you do have to stop on the side of the road because of an emergency, be sure to open your vehicle doors carefully. Opening vehicle doors into moving traffic is prohibited unless it is safe to do so, and unless it can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, including bicyclists. Also, raise your hood to warn traffic that your car is stopped.

If you have been injured in an accident involving stopping, standing, or parking, the legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers can help you obtain compensation for medical costs, time off from work, and other damages. Contact us today at (404) 460-0101 for a free initial consultation.