What Indiana law requires
Indiana Code 9-21-16-5.5 prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in a fire lane on public or private property. It calls for fire lanes to be marked with the words "No Parking Fire Lane" in white letters and a stripe at least four inches wide, following the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The stripe and lettering are placed 12 feet from the sidewalk, curb, or building, with the words between the stripe and that edge.
Local codes can add to it
Counties, cities, and towns can adopt their own fire lane ordinances as long as they don't conflict with state law, and many around Indianapolis have. A few examples from local codes:
- Westfield's city code (section 72.20) calls for yellow curb striping and pavement lettering reading "No Parking Fire Lane," with signs posted along the lane
- Beech Grove's city code also calls for yellow curb striping and lettering, a stripe at least four inches wide, and signs meeting the Indiana MUTCD
- Carmel's code has the fire and police chiefs set fire lane locations, with signs reading "No Parking, Fire Lane Tow Away Zone"
Red or yellow curbs?
Red curbs are common in many parts of the country, but they aren't the rule everywhere in central Indiana. Several local codes here specify yellow. Before painting, confirm the color, lettering, and sign wording with your city or town's fire department or fire marshal. Repainting a whole lane in the wrong color is an expensive mistake.
Who decides where your fire lanes go
Fire lane locations are usually set by the local fire chief or fire marshal, often in writing to the property owner, or shown on the site's approved plans. If you're not sure where your lanes are supposed to be, ask your local fire department before restriping.
Keeping fire lanes enforceable
Faded fire lane markings are harder to enforce and easier for drivers to ignore. Many local codes allow vehicles parked in a fire lane to be ticketed or towed, so keep the stripe, lettering, and signs clearly visible. Fire lanes are often restriped along with the rest of the lot. Our fire lane marking service covers curb painting, lettering, and tow-away zone markings.
Sources
Indiana Code 9-21-16-5.5, and the published city codes of Westfield, Beech Grove, and Carmel. Codes change, so check the current version with your local authority. This page is general information, not legal advice.