Introduction
Living and traveling in a van is an incredibly exciting and freeing experience. You can find yourself in all sorts of new and exciting places, explore the world around you, and just enjoy the life of a modern nomad. However, one issue that many van dwellers often face is the difficulties posed by parking regulations in different cities. This can be very inconvenient, as it can take a lot of time and research to figure out how to best maneuver around parking regulations in each city. That's why in this article, we'll be discussing the ins and outs on how to deal with parking regulations in different cities when living in a van.
Differences Between Private and Public Parking Regulations
Before jumping into dealing with parking regulations in each city, it's important to understand the differences between private and public parking regulations. Private parking regulations are generally the same no matter the city, and generally follow the rules set by the individual property or lot owner. On the other hand, public parking regulations are different in every municipality and often follow the city's laws and ordinances.
For example, if you're camping out in a City-run park, the City may require a special permit for your campervan or RV. Or, if you're traveling by motorhome, the City may require that you pay a fee to park in certain areas. To make sure you know all the details about the particular area that you are staying in, it's a good idea to check with the local authorities to see what the specific restrictions are for your particular type of vehicle.
Research the City Rules
Once you have a better understanding of the differences between private and public parking regulations, it’s important to do some research and investigate the parking restrictions in the city or town that you're planning to stay in. You can look online to see if there are any websites or City documents that outline the different parking regulations. Oftentimes you can call the City directly and ask them for specifics. Make sure to thank your contacts for their help--it will make your life much easier.
It's also important to remember that parking regulations can vary from city to city. For example, in some cities, there may be designated areas where larger vehicles like campervans can park. Other cities may have restrictions on where you can park your vehicle for long-term stays. And, some cities may have restrictions on how long your vehicle can stay in certain areas. Performing adequate research can help you know ahead of time if a city is going to be good for an extended stay.
Breaking Down Restrictions into Manageable Parameters
Once you know the general rules and restrictions of the area, it can be helpful to break them down into more manageable bits and pieces. This way, you can better figure out what you need to do to remain in compliance with the regulations. For example, if you're staying in a city that requires time restrictions on parking, try to research which areas require the longest amount of time to park in, and then plan your days accordingly.
Additionally, if you're staying in an area that requires you to purchase a permit for a certain amount of time, make sure to plan ahead and purchase the permit before it is needed. Buying a permit ahead of time can keep you in compliance, and makes it much easier to extend your stay if need be.
Conclusion
Dealing with parking regulations in different cities can be intimidating, but with the right research and planning, it doesn't have to be. By familiarizing yourself with the differences between private and public parking regulations, researching the rules of each city, and breaking down restrictions into manageable parameters, you'll be better able to stay in compliance with the parking regulations and enjoy living and traveling in your van without any issues.