what is the minimum distance a vehicle is allowed to park from a fire hydrant?

In most places in the United States, the standard minimum distance you must park from a fire hydrant is 15 feet (about 4.5 meters).

General Rule

• The widely used rule of thumb is: do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. This distance is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is written into the laws of most states.

• No U.S. state currently requires more than 15 feet, so if you always leave at least that distance, you are generally on the safe side nationwide.

Exceptions By State

• A small number of states allow shorter distances, such as:
  • Iowa: as close as 5 feet
  • Vermont: as close as 6 feet
  • Tennessee: 7.5 feet
  • Rhode Island: 8 feet

• Some others use 10 feet instead of 15 feet, but these are less common; the vast majority stick with 15 feet.

Practical Safety Tip

• If you are unsure of the local rule, always leave at least 15 feet between your vehicle and the hydrant when measured along the curb. This not only keeps you legal in most places but also ensures firefighters can quickly connect hoses in an emergency.