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Every driver, even those who weekend on two wheels, has sighed in exasperation at a seemingly empty parking spot not being so. In some cases, it’s a subcompact car hiding between two needlessly huge SUVs. In other cases, it’s a motorcycle you don’t see until the last minute. Still, are you ever allowed to move a motorcycle for a parking spot in a busy lot?

It doesn’t matter how packed the lot is, moving a parked motorcycle is against the law

You could be cruising the clogged arteries of an amusement park parking lot looking for the sweet respite of an open spot. Even if you’re in a land yacht and you’ve been searching for thirty minutes, moving another person’s vehicle is out of the question. It doesn’t matter if that vehicle is a Ferrari F355 or a Harley-Davidson XL1200C; moving someone’s vehicle without their permission is against the law.

Tragically, not every driver cares. Selfish drivers will attempt to move parked motorcycles, even if those bikes have fork locks. In the cases of bikes with fork locks, attempting to move the motorcycle will often result in a drop, causing expensive and irritating damage. What’s more, damaging someone else’s property will likely result in further charges beyond moving the machine. Just don’t touch other people’s stuff. It’s really quite simple. 

The obvious exception is circumstances with law enforcement involvement. If a vehicle is abandoned, police can request a tow truck to remove the nuisance. From there, authorities will move it to an impound lot. If you suspect a car or bike is abandoned, you can report it to the authorities.

Unfortunately for many riders nationwide, few businesses, city streets, and parking structures offer labeled, motorcycle-specific parking. As a result, some motorcycles will occupy a parking space large enough for several bikes or one bigger vehicle. 

Frankly, some towns and cities allow, even encourage motorcycles to double or triple up in a single parking space. For instance, Madison, Wisconsin states that “up to three mopeds/motorcycles may park in a single metered space.” Moreover, the city fields smaller, solo spaces for two-wheeled troubadours, offering up to $1.00 of savings per hour over standard spaces.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).