How far must you park from a fire hydrant?

The distance you must park from a fire hydrant is at least 1 meter. This regulation is in place to ensure that fire trucks and emergency responders have clear access to the hydrant in case of a fire. If a vehicle is parked too close to a hydrant, it can obstruct emergency services when they need to connect hoses to the hydrant, thereby delaying their response time and potentially worsening a fire situation.

While some might think that a greater distance would be more logical for safety, the law specifically mandates 1 meter to balance accessibility for fire services with practical parking options for the public. This distance allows enough room for firefighters to work efficiently without risking hazards related to collisions or blocked access.

In other jurisdictions or situations, larger distances like 2, 3, or 5 meters may be required, especially in areas with heavy traffic or particular fire regulations; however, the correct rule for New South Wales stipulates a minimum of 1 meter.