Bothell City Council recently approved several changes to Bothell municipal codes pertaining to parking regulations and enforcement.

These changes went into effect Oct. 12 with the intent of promoting traffic safety and keeping roadways free from hazardous conditions.

Highlights of these changes include the following:

• In any area allowing public parking, vehicles must park within pavement markings that indicate parking spaces or stalls.

• Drivers may not stop, stand or park vehicles in front of mailboxes, except to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device.

• Parking in a marked fire lane or in a manner that obstructs vehicular ingress or egress of a fire lane is prohibited.

• Parking permits no longer expire one year from the date of issue. Permits do not expire so long as the permit holder retains the permit vehicle and resides at the address specified in the permit application.

• Penalties for parking violations have been changed from misdemeanors to infractions, with fines of $40. Fire lane violation penalties carry a fine of $150.

For a complete review of city of Bothell parking regulations and codes, citizens can find them online at www.ci.bothell.wa.us, under “city services/city council.” Questions about parking regulations and enforcement in the city of Bothell may be directed to the Bothell Police Department at (425) 486-1254.