Three new parking violations are now being enforced

People driving in Austin, be aware: The City Council approved three new parking prohibitions on February 13, 2025, and enforcement of them began on June 1. 

Under the updated ordinance, drivers may be ticketed for: 

• Blocking a signed or marked bike lane ($75 standard fine/$50 early payment)
• Blocking an electric vehicle charging station ($50/$35)
• Blocking a right-of-way closure area during special events ($250/$150) 

The electric vehicle and special events ordinances are pretty self-explanatory. 

The bicycle lane ordinance is a subtle change in the City Code. Obviously, it has never been legal to park an automobile in a bike lanes that have signs saying “No Parking in Bike Lane.” The important part of the new code makes it illegal to park in any bike lane, whether there is a sign or not. If it is clearly a bike lane — with obvious markers such as striping or barriers — then motor vehicles are not allowed to be there. 

There are exceptions to this provision: 

• A vehicle performing permitted work
• A vehicle that has been stopped by a police officer
• Trucks operated by Solid Waste Services (trash, recycling and compost trucks)
• An inoperable motor vehicle that has been moved to allow traffic through
• Emergency situations
• Other authorized uses marked by signs 

Remember, bicycles are a key part of relieving automobile traffic congestion in Austin, but if bike lanes are blocked, bicyclists may be forced to move into lanes with cars. That slows traffic and puts cyclists in a riskier position. Help keep them safe and traffic moving by keeping the lanes clear. 

Automobiles illegally parked in bike lanes may be reported to Austin 3-1-1.