Is it illegal to park a vehicle on a Portland street to wash or repair it? | Fact brief

Portland prohibits stopping, standing or parking a vehicle on a street “for the principal purpose” of washing, greasing or repairing it.

The city code makes an exception for repairs necessitated by an emergency.

A violation carries a $25 parking fine. The rule dates back to at least January 1997, when a prior ordinance was amended. It also prohibits street parking for advertising, displaying a vehicle for sale or storing it for more than 10 consecutive days.

Portland is far from unique: Similar restrictions apply in Biddeford, Lewiston, Rockland and South Portland, generally with the same emergency repair exception.

Portland’s ordinance applies when the prohibited actions are the main purpose for on-street parking; it does not prohibit incidental cleaning or maintenance performed on a parked vehicle.