You may have noticed Carthage Police Officers paying closer attention to parking recently. This renewed focus isn’t about writing tickets; it’s about keeping Carthage safe, accessible, and looking like the community we’re all proud to call home.
When vehicles block intersections, hydrants, or park too close to crosswalks, serious safety concerns arise. Limited visibility for drivers, delays for emergency vehicles, and increased risk to pedestrians—especially children—are all potential consequences. Keeping these zones clear not only saves time but can save lives.
It’s also a matter of fairness. Public parking spaces are shared resources for everyone. Enforcing time limits and no-parking zones helps traffic flow and gives all residents, visitors, and businesses a fair shot at parking nearby.
Most importantly, proper parking reflects community pride. Vehicles left parked long term, blocking sidewalks, or crowding curbs can make neighborhoods look neglected. Clean, orderly streets show the pride residents and business owners share in Carthage and help maintain a welcoming environment.
These parking rules are supported by our local law. You can review the full Carthage Code of Ordinances, Chapter 23, Traffic and Vehicles, Article V (Stopping, Standing, and Parking) at the city’s online municipal code repository:
https://library.municode.com/mo/carthage/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH23TR_ARTVISTSTPA
If a citation is issued, parking tickets must be paid at the Carthage Police Department. Prompt payment helps avoid additional penalties and ensures compliance with city ordinances.
The City of Carthage and the Carthage Police Department appreciate the community’s cooperation in helping keep our streets safe, open, and inviting for everyone.