Chinook Police to Enforce Parking Regulation

Chief Elmer Zarn said his department will be strictly enforcing the parking regulation for parking “backwards” on a city street. If you park the wrong way and we see it you will be given a citation. Chief Zarn quoted Montana Law MCA 61-8-355 which reads: Except as otherwise provided in this section, a vehicle that is stopped or parked on a two-way roadway must be stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels of the vehicle parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or as close as practicable to the right edge of the right-hand shoulder. He said this is the exact same as city ordinance 10.20.040 Parking at curb-Signs.

Chief Zarn said that under city ordinance (10.20.195), the person whose name the vehicle is registered to shall be absolutely liable for the violation of such parking regulation and shall be subject to the penalty provided therefor. A citation will be affixed to that vehicle for the owner to answer the charges against him/her within the time and at the place provided for in the citation.

Chief Zarn went on to say that the penalty for parking backwards, (10.20.010), is as follows: any person violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with any of the mandatory requirements of the ordinances of the city is guilty of a misdemeanor. Except in cases where a different punishment is prescribed by any ordinance of the city, any person convicted of a misdemeanor under the ordinances of the city shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Chief Zarn encourages the citizens of Chinook to call him if they have any questions at 357-3170 and asks that you please park the correct way.