The general rule for parking near a fire hydrant in most places is that you must park at least 15 feet away from it. This distance gives firefighters the clearance they need to access and connect their hoses quickly during emergencies. Parking closer than 15 feet is typically illegal and can result in fines. However, some states and areas have different minimum distances, such as 10 feet, 8 feet, or even as close as 5 feet in a few locations. Sitting in the car while parked near a fire hydrant does not generally exempt drivers from these rules. The safest and most commonly mandated minimum distance is 15 feet to ensure quick and unobstructed access for emergency responders.