Safe parking around schools
The kids are counting on us to keep them safe! Safe parking in school zones
Every school day, thousands of families drive through Calgary's school zones. These areas are full of energy and movement as parents and caregivers drive their kids to school, drivers are in a rush and kids are excited. It's a weekly routine that seems relatively simple but when parking rules aren't followed, it can quickly lead to traffic congestion, dangerous conditions for children and frustration for everyone.
Caring for Calgary – Quick tips for safer parking
School zones are high-traffic areas during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. During these hours, we encourage you to plan ahead and remember your kids are counting on you to keep them safe. To park safely, make sure you:
- Park at least 5 metres away from crosswalks.
- Don't double-park as it blocks visibility traffic flow
- Avoid bus zones so children can safely exit and enter from the curb
- Leave 1.5 metres of space from driveways.
- Use designated drop-off zones.
- Avoid stopping in "No Parking" or "No Stopping" areas.
- Consider parking a block away and walking your child in.
- Stay calm and courteous, even when running late.
- Treat officers respectfully as they're there to support safety
Common parking challenges and fines
Most unsafe parking happens when people try to save time by cutting corners, parking in prohibited areas or choosing convenience over safety. Each year, we receive hundreds of complaints about how people park around schools and we want to change that.
To improve safety, reduce complaints and support better mobility around schools, we encourage drivers to be aware of the rules, common parking challenges and fines related to unsafe parking behaviours in school zones.
These are the top 10 parking challenges commonly observed in school zones:
Parking too close to a crosswalk or intersection
You may receive a ticket if you park within 5 metres of a crosswalk or intersection. This blocks the view for drivers and makes it dangerous for kids crossing the street.
To avoid getting a ticket, always leave space—about the length of a car—between your vehicle and any crosswalk or corner.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(d), 3(1)(h)
Double parking
You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you stop beside another parked car, blocking traffic and creating danger.
To avoid getting a ticket, only park in designated spots, not beside other cars.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(l)
Parking in a No Parking or No Stopping zone
You may receive an immediate ticket if you ignore signs that tell you it’s a “No Parking” or “No Stopping” zone, even for a few minutes. Repeat violations may lead to towing.
To avoid getting a ticket, always check signs before parking and keep driving if you see any of these signs.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
See Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96 – Section 13(1)
Parking on a sidewalk or boulevard
You may receive a ticket if you park on a sidewalk or grassy area meant for walking.
To avoid getting a ticket, stay on the road or in marked parking spots.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(a)
Parking in a school bus zone
You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you park in a zone marked for school buses only as this delay buses.
To avoid getting a ticket, leave bus zones clear so kids can safely get on and off.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $75 |
See Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96 – Section 35(2)
Blocking a driveway or garage
You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you block or park too close to someone’s driveway, making it hard for them to get in or out.
To avoid getting a ticket, leave at least 1.5 metres of space from driveways so vehicles can enter and exit easily.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $75 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(g)
Angle parking in cul-de-sacs without signs
You may receive a ticket if you park at an angle in a roundabout or cul-de-sac where it’s not allowed, as this may block traffic flow.
To avoid getting a ticket, only angle park if signs say it’s okay.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $40 | $50 | $68 |
Parking in a fire lane or blocking emergency access
You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you block a fire lane or emergency routes, which is a serious safety risk.
To avoid getting a ticket, never park near fire hydrants, exits or emergency zones.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $80 | $120 | $150 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 3(1)(m)
Abandoning a vehicle
You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you leave your car in one spot for days without moving it after 72 consecutive hours.
To avoid getting a ticket, move your car regularly, especially near schools.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $160 | $200 | $300 |
See Calgary Parking Bylaw 41M2002 – Section 8(1)(a)
Parking in a handicapped zone without a placard
You may receive a ticket or have your vehicle towed if you park in a handicapped spot without a valid and visible permit. Repeat violations may lead to court.
To avoid getting a ticket, only park here if you have a visible placard or license plate.
| Payment schedule | Within 10 days | Between 10 & 30 days | After 30 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $200 | $250 | $300 |
See Calgary Traffic Bylaw 26M96 – Section 32(3)
Enforcing parking rules for safety and mobility
Our Parking Safety and Compliance Officers are trained professionals who monitor parking spots in school zones, educate drivers and enforce parking rules. To encourage voluntary compliance, our officers visit schools to educate drivers, answer questions and help families understand safe parking practices. Parking tickets are only issued as a last resort when needed, especially if drivers commit serious violations, ignore the advice or act disrespectfully.
With over 150 elementary schools in Calgary, we prioritize high-risk areas and respond to community requests. To help cover more schools and respond to complaints efficiently when officers aren't there in person:
- Vehicles equipped with cameras monitor school zones.
- Time-stamped photos are taken of parked vehicles in School zones.
- License plates are checked and tickets are issued to vehicles parked illegally in school zones.
- The tickets are mailed to the registered owner along with photo evidence.
Parking safely in school zones is a responsibility every driver, parent and caregiver must be mindful of to protect kids and support safer streets. It starts with each parking spot and the kids are counting on all of us to keep them safe. We hope you join us in helping to spread the word.
