Traffic Control

Parking in Newport

Parking in Newport can be difficult during our busy tourism season. Our parking is regulated by City of Newport Police Traffic division.

Quick Newport Parking reference:

• No person shall park a vehicle on any street for longer than twenty-four (24) hours on any day or night.
• No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle, [...] in any of the following places:
  • On a sidewalk;
  • In front of a public or private driveway, or within five (5) feet of either side thereof;
  • Within an intersection;
  • Within eight (8) feet of [either side of] a fire hydrant;
  • On a crosswalk;
  • Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; and, for oncoming traffic at non-intersection crosswalks, within fifteen (15) feet of a crosswalk where there is diagonal parking, and within ten feet of a crosswalk where there is parallel parking;
  • Within thirty (30) feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway;
  • In front of any place of public worship while any service is being carried on;
  • On the left side of any street, unless otherwise permitted [...];
  • Within fifty (50) feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;
  • Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and, on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station, within seventy-five (75) feet of such entrance when properly sign-posted;
  • Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when such stopping, standing or parking would obstruct traffic;
  • On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;
  • Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway;
  • At any place where official signs prohibit stopping; or
  • On any roadway adjacent to a curb painted yellow.

For more information about Newport's Parking Ordinances Click Here and see Title 10 - VECHICLES AND TRAFFIC

For up to date traffic information please see the RI DOT site link at the bottom of the page, or tune your radio to AM 1630 from the State of RI Transportation Management Center. For up to date Bridge information please see RI Bridge and Turnpike Authority.

Residential Parking

Stickers for residents are available from our Collections Office. Starting in March you can purchase these with appropriate documentation. Sticker parking areas are noted with signs defining hours and areas affected. Sticker parking is in effect May through October. Many side streets are covered, so look for the signs.

Free Parking

Various locations exist without fees. Broadway, Spring Street and Lower Thames have many free spaces with hourly limitations. Many of these free areas in our business districts are a great deal! One more good reason to see other areas in our City. Our meters are not in effect November through April city wide.

Towing and Snow Emergencies

If your car is missing, it may have been towed. All vehicle tows, whether the cars are towed by the police or a contracted tow company, are logged in a police log. To contact the Police Department Dispatch Desk and/or verify the tow log, please contact (401) 847-1306 and a clerk will assist you.

In the case of a City declared snow emergency towing may be enforced so snow removal is not impeded, parking is banned on:Bellevue (Kay to Bowery), Broadway, Friendship, Spring, Summer, Thames, Van Zandt (JT Connell to Malbone) and West Marlborough Streets, and Washington Square.

These events will be announced via the press, local TV and radio outlets and AM 1630.

Accessible Routes in Newport

Accessible Newport Map

A listing of restaurants and activities may be found at Accessible RI website.

While many areas of traditional historic cities may pose a challenge to wheelchair accessibility our map above will help you to find accessible and convenient activities and businesses to fully enjoy all Newport has to offer. We hope you enjoy your visit, or better still, choose to live here and enjoy our City year round.

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Rhode Island Traffic

RI Department of Transportation - Travel Advisories

Please see the link above for timely information and cameras of island and other state highways, bridges and roads. This is a helpful site for travel planning at any time, and particularly during our busy summer season.

State of RI Emergency Management

Newport Evacuation Routes Map

This is the link to the RI Emergency Management Agency Map where you will find the evacuation routes for your area.