Have you ever returned to your car in a public lot only to find a citation tucked under your wiper blade for “front end parking only”, citing a violation you didn’t even know existed? In Prince George’s County, Maryland, parking regulations can be specific, and overlooking a single sign can lead to a legal headache.
One particularly misunderstood regulation is Sec. 26-145(a)(7) regarding “Front End Only” parking. While many drivers prefer backing into spaces for an easier exit, doing so in certain public facilities is actually against the law. This post breaks down the specific language of the statute, clarifies the exceptions, and explains exactly what law enforcement needs to prove to uphold a citation.
Front End Parking Only – The Letter of the Law: Sec. 26-145(a)(7)
To understand your rights and responsibilities, we must first look at the text of the front end parking only code itself. The regulation falls under the broader umbrella of “Parking regulations — public parking facilities.”
The code states:
(a) Except temporarily for the purpose of, and while actually engaged in, loading or unloading passengers or for emergency repairs when the vehicle cannot be driven, no person shall park any vehicle on a public parking facility:
(7) By backing said vehicle into a parking space when posted by “Front In Only” signs;
This single sentence contains several critical components that define the offense. It is not a blanket ban on reverse parking everywhere in the county; rather, it is a conditional prohibition that depends on specific circumstances.
What Constitutes a Violation of Front End Parking Only?
For a driver to be in violation of Sec. 26-145(a)(7), three main elements must be present simultaneously. If any of these are missing, the citation may not be valid.
1. The Location Must Be a Public Parking Facility
The statute applies to a “public parking facility.” This typically refers to lots owned or operated by the county or other public entities. It is important to distinguish this from private property, although many private commercial lots may have similar rules enforced by private towing companies rather than county police. However, for a police-issued citation under this specific code, the location matters.
2. The Act of Backing In
The code specifically prohibits parking “By backing said vehicle into a parking space.” This refers to the orientation of the vehicle. The rear of the vehicle must be closest to the curb or the back of the space, and the front of the vehicle must be facing the driving aisle. Pulling through a space (driving forward into one space and continuing until you are in the opposite space facing out) achieves the same orientation as backing in. While the code says “backing… into,” the enforcement generally focuses on the final orientation of the car relative to the “Front In Only” directive.
3. The Presence of Signage
This is the most critical element for defense. The prohibition only applies “when posted by ‘Front In Only’ signs.” If a parking facility does not have these specific signs posted, or if the signs are missing, obscured, or illegible, the prohibition does not apply. The law requires clear notice to the driver.
Curious about Maryland’s Driver’s License Point System? Read our article here.
Exceptions to the Rule for Front End Only
The statute explicitly lists exceptions where backing in is permissible, even in the presence of signs. These are affirmative defenses, meaning the burden is often on the driver to prove they fell into one of these categories.
Loading or Unloading Passengers
The law allows you to stop temporarily if you are “actually engaged in” loading or unloading passengers.
- Key phrase: “Actually engaged in.” This implies an active process. You cannot park, leave the vehicle to go shopping, and claim you were waiting to load passengers later.
- Key phrase: “Temporarily.” The stop must be brief and strictly for this purpose.
Emergency Repairs
You may violate the orientation rule “for emergency repairs when the vehicle cannot be driven.”
- Example: If your engine dies and you coast into a spot backwards, or if you must access the rear engine or trunk for a jump start or tire change that prevents normal parking.
- Limitation: This is for emergency repairs that render the vehicle undrivable. It does not cover routine maintenance like changing your oil or detailing your car.
What Police Must Prove
In a court setting, or when contesting a ticket, the burden of proof lies with the issuing authority (the police or parking enforcement). To successfully uphold a citation for Sec. 26-145(a)(7), they must establish the following facts:
- Identity: The vehicle in question belongs to the defendant (usually established via license plate).
- Orientation: The vehicle was parked with the rear of the vehicle entering the space first (backed in).
- Signage: “Front In Only” signs were clearly posted and visible at the facility.
- No Exceptions Observed: The officer did not observe active loading/unloading or emergency repairs taking place at the time the ticket was written.
Common Defenses
Drivers who contest these tickets often focus on the “Signage” element.
- “I didn’t see the sign”: This is generally not a valid defense if the sign was present and clearly visible to a reasonable person.
- “There was no sign”: This is a strong defense. If you can prove (usually with photos) that the entrance to the lot or the specific aisle lacked the required “Front In Only” signage, the citation fails the statutory requirement.
- “I was loading passengers”: If you were ticketed while actively helping someone into the car, you may be able to contest it, provided you have evidence or witness testimony.
- I didn’t back in”: It looks as if the traffic officers are assuming a car was backed in but some spaces allow you to “pull through” which would not be a violation of this law.
Summary
Prince George’s County Code Sec. 26-145(a)(7) is a specific tool used to regulate parking orientation in public facilities. It is not an arbitrary rule but one that relies on clear signage and specific definitions.
By understanding that the law requires visible signage, defines a public facility, and allows for specific exceptions like emergency repairs, you can better navigate the county’s parking lots. Always check for signs when entering a new lot, and if you do receive a citation, review the code to see if the police have met their burden of proof.
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