Parking in The Colonies: Why Vehicles Must Face the Direction of Traffic in Unincorporated Harris County
Across The Colonies in unincorporated Harris County, residential streets are considered public right-of-way. That means parking is governed primarily by the Texas Transportation Code, not city ordinance.
One of the most common misunderstandings involves parking direction.
Under Texas Transportation Code §545.303(a), a vehicle parked on a roadway must be positioned with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb. Because subdivision streets are generally two-way traffic unless officially marked otherwise, vehicles must park in the direction of traffic flow.
Parking against traffic — even on a quiet neighborhood street — does not comply with state law.
Why Direction Matters for Safety
Facing the direction of travel improves roadway predictability. When drivers back out of driveways or approach intersections, they expect parked vehicles to align with traffic patterns.
Parking against traffic can:
- Reduce visibility when pulling into or out of driveways
- Create confusion at intersections
- Increase risk for cyclists and pedestrians
- Complicate nighttime visibility
The Texas Department of Transportation promotes consistent vehicle positioning as part of broader roadway safety practices, particularly in residential areas where children, walkers, and pets are present.
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Enforcement in Unincorporated Harris County
Because The Colonies is outside Houston city limits, enforcement authority rests with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, applying state law.
There is no separate Harris County parking ordinance governing direction of travel — it is governed directly by the Texas Transportation Code.
A Small Adjustment with Community Impact
Something as simple as turning a vehicle around before parking contributes to:
- Safer sightlines
- Smoother traffic flow
- Reduced risk of citations
- A more orderly streetscape
In evolving communities like The Colonies, attention to everyday details supports both safety and neighborhood pride. Thank you for doing your part to contribute to the safety of The Colonies.
For continued updates on community standards and local regulations in unincorporated Harris County, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
