Kirkuk imposes big fines, jail time for parking on sidewalks

KIRKUK – The Kirkuk city administration announced Tuesday the enforcement of new penalties against parking vehicles on sidewalks, warning of escalating fines and potential jail time for repeat offenders.

Under the decision, violators will face a fine of 25,000 Iraqi dinars ($17) for the first offense. A second violation raises the fine to 1 million dinars ($700) and could include impounding the vehicle. A third violation could result in both a fine and up to 15 days in jail.

In a statement, the city’s Organizing Committee said, “The sidewalk is designated for pedestrian use, and parking vehicles on it is an uncivilized act and against the law, even if it is in front of a house or shop. The sidewalk is not part of your property.”

The measure authorizes municipal directors and traffic police to impose fines, with officials urging residents to comply to safeguard public order, ensure pedestrian safety, and preserve public property.

Earlier this year, security forces arrested five people in Baghdad’s Karrada district for charging drivers to park illegally on public roads and sidewalks. In August 2024, authorities detained 36 people in Mansour for running “fake garages” and obstructing traffic as part of a broader crackdown on unlicensed parking operations.