Motorcycles parked on the sidewalk are a common sight. Whether in front of the gym or in front of the bar, even non-motorcycle-riders are used to seeing them. Some folks even appreciate motorcyclists avoiding using up an entire space. It’s rare to see them get ticketed. But they absolutely can.

Technically, it is only legal to park a vehicle–including a motorcycle–in a desgnated space. So will you get ticketed?

It comes down to the local ordinances, and the official enforcing them that day. But contrary to popular belief: it doesn’t matter if you have a local business owner’s permission, are not blocking foot traffic, or are even parking on an extra-wide sidewalk.

Why? Here’s a comparison with a completely different law. Some cities have strict ordinances against parking a vehicle on grass. They’ll fine you for parking your car or truck on a lawn. Even if its private property and you own the lawn! So if some parking enforcer wants to be a stickler about only parking vehicles in designated spaces, they can ticket an entire row of motorcycles on a double-wide sidewalk outside a biker bar.

Does this actually happen? Relatively rarely. Motorcyclists get a feel for businesses where no one will complain about a bike on the sidewalk. Maybe it’s a gym or a bar owned by motorcycle enthusiasts. Maybe parking is always an issue and everyone is happy to see them saving space. And it’s uncommon for things to suddenly change.

But if you are considering parking on the sidewalk somewhere you’ve never tried it, know you might get ticketed. It is always helpful to know the local ordinances. Heck, you can even call the local police and ask if they’d prefer you find a sidewalk spot to save space. And if you want to save space, take a parking spot and put your bike 90 degrees to the curb so other motorcyclists can slot in next to you.

Next, find out whether it is actually legal for motorcycles to ride between lanes of slow-moving cars, or see the three most common mistakes motorcyclists make while parking: